Gabriel Martinelli has been one of the most impressive players for Arsenal this season as the youngster has racked up 10 goals in his first season.
The 18-year-old’s performances have not gone unnoticed with manager Mikel Arteta praising the spirit of the young Brazilian. Speaking about Martinelli, Arteta said(as per Sky Sports):
“I heard a lot of things about Gabi before I joined and the moment I saw in training, it was confirmed the things I was told before.
“I think the way he competes and how brave he is in every decision on that pitch is very unusual for an 18-year-old.
“His fighting spirit is incredible and then he is a threat for goal every time.”
Martinelli who joined Arsenal in the summer has done very well in a new country. In fact, he has become the first teenager to score 10 goals or more for the North London club since Nicolas Anelka.
He has scored in the last two games and his goal against Chelsea where he ran almost the length of the pitch was a particular highlight.
Arteta was also speaking about the need to protect the player and help him to be consistent. He added:
“That is the risk and not just him, but all of us and me included and the club and the people around him.
“We have to support him and protect him. We cannot just give him the license to think he can do that every single day.”
“He needs to play with that freedom where he has the license to do what he wants to do on the pitch, but with the pressure really that it doesn’t always have to be him to do it.”
It is encouraging to see the new manager take an active interest in the player’s development. Players like Martinelli can reach the very top but it is important for them to have a good support system in place.
Arsenal will now turn their focus to the FA Cup 4th round game against Bournemouth and Arteta will be hoping that the Gunners can continue their cup run. And with the captain and top goalscorer Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang still suspended, Martinelli will be expected to produce the goods once again.
Arteta realizes that he has a gem in his hands and fans will be hoping that the manager and club can help nurture the Brazilian into a top talent. Martinelli has shown that he has the goal-scoring touch and it will help the team enormously if he continues doing that.
