MIKEL ARTETA did not realise he was inheriting a new Special One in striker Gabriel Martinelli — until the first time he saw him train.
The Arsenal boss says friends had raved about the ability of Brazilian teenage prodigy Martinelli even when he was No 2 at Manchester City, but thought there was no way the 18-year-old would be that good.
Brazilian striker Gabriel Martinelli delighted his Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta with the way he went at Chelsea star Cesar AzpilicuetaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
New Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta now knows for sure he has one of the hottest talents in the Premier League in teenager Gabriel MartinelliCredit: Getty Images – Getty
But Arteta was proven wrong in the first days of his reign at the Emirates with Martinelli showing he was every bit as good as his reputation.
Arteta said: “I heard a lot of things about Gabby before I joined and the moment I saw him training it confirmed all the things I was told.
“I was told, ‘You will see this kid, how he goes for every ball, his fighting spirit and the quality that every time he is in front of goal he’s a threat’.
“I was told I would be surprised how prepared he is to compete with every player in the squad.
“I just thought, ‘Yes, but he’s 18’. But when you see him in big games, how he goes about everything, it’s surprising.
“The way he competes, how brave he is with every decision he makes on the field is very unusual for an 18-year-old.”
Martinelli had trials at Barcelona and Manchester United before Arsenal took the plunge and signed him from Brazilian side Ituano for £6million last summer.
Recruited as one for the future, Martinelli has made such an impact that he is already a first-team regular and Brazil and Italy are battling it out for him to play for them.
His ten goals in all competitions this season have caught the eye — none more than his wonderful solo strike in last Tuesday’s 2-2 draw at Chelsea.
Arteta, whose side go to Bournemouth in the FA Cup tomorrow, was stunned by just how well Martinelli performed when up against Cesar Azpilicueta, a player he rates highly.
Arteta added: “He competed against one of the best defenders in the league, Azpilicueta, and he got at him every time he had a chance.
“His fighting spirit is incredible and then he is a threat for goals every time.
“I would like to talk about his potential more than what he is at the moment.
“For this club to give him the responsibility to do that every time is not fair on him, we have to bring him down.
“The risk is expecting too much too soon — but not just for the fans.
“We cannot give him the licence to think he has to put himself under that pressure. He needs to play with the freedom that he has.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
