Former Arsenal player doesn’t think £180k-p/w Gunners star is ‘world-class’

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Former Arsenal midfielder Adrian Clarke does not believe Gabriel Martinelli is amongst the most elite players in the game.

Gabriel Martinelli is undeniably a supremely talented footballer. At just 22-years-old, the Brazilian winger has already established himself as a key player at Arsenal, and has begun to make a mark at international level.

Along with Bukayo Saka on the opposite flank, Martinelli carries a great deal of the Gunners’ goal threat. With his pace, flair, dynamism, and relentless energy, he is a nightmare for opposition defenders to deal with. He has also garnered plaudits for his mentality and attitude, with Arsenal teammate Jorginho having recently commended Martinelli for his willingness to help out defensively. 

Considering Arsenal paid just £6 million to sign Martinelli from Brazilian side Ituano in 2019, he has to go down as one of the best bargain buys that the club have pulled off in recent years. To date, the attacker has racked up 147 appearances for the north London outfit, scoring 36 goals and providing 22 assists. 

He has made the left-wing starting berth his own, keeping himself ahead of the likes of Leandro Trossard and Emile Smith Rowe in the pecking order, as Mikel Arteta clearly has absolute faith in him to shine on a consistent basis.

Which Arsenal players can be considered world-class?

However, Adrian Clarke, does not believe that Martinelli can yet be categorised as world-class. Speaking on the Handbrake Off podcast, he said, “I think world-class is if you have a squad of 23 for the entire world do they get in it? That’s a strict guideline, but it should be. I think Saka does get in it, I think he is one of the best two in his position in the world. [Martin] Odegaard is knocking on the door, that’s where I’m at with it.”

“I wouldn’t put Martinelli in it if I’m honest, I think [Declan] Rice has a chance, Rice and Rodri are the two best in the Premier League, and on current form [William] Saliba is the best in the Prem, so he gets in.”

Saka, Martin Odegaard, Declan Rice, and William Saliba all certainly deserve to be in the ‘world-class’ conversation. All three have been in exception form over the course of this season so far and the previous campaign. 

How Gabriel Martinelli can reach world-class level

However, Martinelli cannot be far away from being included in that bracket. He just needs to add a little more end product to his game.

The physical and mental attributes, the speed, the footballing intelligence is all there. The nine-cap Brazil international certainly has the potential to be one of the best in the world. Time is on his side, and in Arteta the £180,000-a-week ace has a coach who believes in his abilities and will help him to develop his game even further.