Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has heaped praises on Gabriel Martinelli and feels the forward’s mentality is one of the best aspects of his game.
The North London club signed the Brazilian from Ituano in the summer and he was expected to play a bit-part role for the club this season.
However, the youngster has been one of the most impressive members of the squad this season scoring 10 goals and notching up 2 assists.
Speaking at the club’s training camp in Dubai, Arteta was full of praise for the 18-year-old striker. According to Express, he said:
“For me the biggest thing is his hunger, his attitude and his willingness. After that he is obviously a player that is a threat on goal. He can finish, he can run in behind and he is a fighter.
“But his biggest attribute is his personality. Every time he is on that pitch he doesn’t care about what type of game it is. He just wants to win and do his best every single day in training and in games.”
Arteta’s comment about Martinelli is a testament to how well the youngster has done since joining the club. It is not always easy to adapt after moving to a new country and the fact that the youngster has managed to do it so quickly is very impressive.
And his performances have not gone unnoticed outside of Arsenal as he has been earmarked by Real Madrid as a potential summer transfer.
Martinelli can play through the middle and on the wings as well where his work rate will help safeguard the full-back also. He has been a regular starter under Arteta and is expected to take to the field against Newcastle United.
As with any talented youngster, he needs to be managed well so that he can fulfill his potential. From what fans have seen so far, it is clear that he has what it takes to reach the very top.
It will be exciting to see what Arteta has in store for him. Martinelli will be looking to continue his good form and help Arsenal finish the season on a strong note.
