Arsenal fans now compare ‘unstoppable’ star to ‘prime Ozil’ after ‘masterclass’

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Many Arsenal fans were impressed with how Gabriel Martinelli performed in his most recent outing for Brazil.

Brazil took on bitter rivals Argentina in a World Cup qualifier at the Maracana on Tuesday. There was plenty of Arsenal interest in the fixture, with Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus, and Gabriel Magalhaes all starting for the Selecao. 

Ultimately, it was a disappointing affair for Brazil, as they slumped to a 1-0 defeat. However, Martinelli was able to provide moments of excitement with his pace and directness.

As per SofaScore statistics, the 22-year-old Arsenal man attempted five dribbles, managed two shots on target, and made three interceptions. 

Whilst it wasn’t his greatest performance, certainly in terms of end product, flashes of quality showed everyone what Martinelli is capable. He certainly did enough to catch the eye of many Arsenal fans.

Taking to X, on supporter said, “Martinelli is the future of Brazil National team.” Another insisted that the winger was “really dropping a masterclass.”

Seeing Martinelli skip and glide past one Argentine defender prompted an Arsenal fan to say the player is “unstoppable, he’s on fire.”

One more nostalgic supporter claimed “Martinelli giving us prime Ozil memories.”

Gabriel Martinelli growing in importance at Arsenal

Mikel Arteta is clearly a huge fan of the player, too. When he is fit, Martinelli is invariably named in the Arsenal starting eleven. Despite the presence in the squad of the likes of Leandro Trossard and Emile Smith Rowe, he has managed to nail down the left wing berth as his own at the Emirates Stadium. 

Tactically, he is a big part of how Arsenal seek to attack. By hugging the touchline and attracting opposition players to him he stretches defences, creating gaps that the can then exploit with his blistering pace. He has more than speed to his game, though. The eight-cap international is technically gifted, strong, a reliable finisher in front of goal, and always willing to work hard and chip in with his defensive duties. 

Martinelli has received plenty of plaudits for his recent form for the north London club, and now needs to build on that when he gets back to London Colney. Certainly in terms of goals and assists, there is more to come from the attacker. 

In 46 appearances for the club last season, across all competitions, Martinelli racked up fifteen goals and six assists. This time around, after 14 outings so far, he has managed two goals and three assists. Arteta won’t be worried about the player’s return at this stage, though. If Martinelli keeps his performance levels up, the goal contributions will surely start to flow.