Arsenal star Gabriel Martinelli is beginning to have a bigger role in the Brazil National Team, and has now compared manager Fernando Diniz with Mikel Arteta.
The winger’s exceptional performances in the last few years earned him international call-ups, and he started and scored in Brazil’s defeat to Colombia last week.
He is expected to start alongside Arsenal teammate Gabriel Jesus in Wednesday’s important match against heated rivals Argentina in the Maracana, in what will be a high-profile and intense affair.
Martinelli has now opened up on stylistic differences between Arsenal manager Arteta and Brazil manager Diniz, and has explained how his role differs under the two coaches.
Gabriel Martinelli compares Fernando Diniz and Mikel Arteta
Speaking in a press conference with the Brazil National Team, Martinelli revealed why he feels comfortable despite tactical differences between the two managers.
“Each coach has their method of work, each one has their tactic. At Arsenal, Mikel has his strategy and here Diniz has his so I think that makes two different playing styles, but in both the team likes to have possession,” he stated.
“To me, it was a good thing. During the last game I had never played creating as much as I did, but I felt good, Diniz made me feel confident so i’m comfortable.”
Tactical differences between Brazil and Arsenal
Brazil were carved open in their defeat to Colombia, but were threatening going forward, with Martinelli linking well with Vinicius Junior to create the opening goal.
Arsenal currently play with a very different mindset to Brazil, but one which has seen them develop the best defence in the Premier League.
Brazil under Diniz dominated possession against Colombia, but having lined up in a 4-4-2 formation, they had very little control in midfield. Whilst Arsenal target Andre was fairly impressive, recent pantomime villain Bruno Guimaraes could not influence the game.
In contrast, Declan Rice has been excellent in the Arsenal midfield, and together with Jorginho and William Saliba, have helped form a spine which can both dominate physically and control games.
Arsenal are now a team which has struggled creatively at times this season, but can also dominate their opponent, retaining composure and control and stifling the opposition of any chances.
Brazil may therefore allow Martinelli more freedom in terms of being able to dribble more, and create chances for himself, whilst Arsenal and Arteta aim to have the 22-year-old as a more efficient outlet player.
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