Carlo Ancelotti made a big mistake with Arsenal star Gabriel Martinelli in his debut game as Brazil manager

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Arsenal star Gabriel Martinelli made his first appearance under Carlo Ancelotti in Brazil’s 0-0 draw against Ecuador.

The legendary Italian was named as the new Brazil manager after he left Real Madrid. Ancelotti has won everything at club level – the challenge now is to do it on the international stage.

A win would’ve been ideal in his debut game, but Ancelotti and Brazil had to settle for a goalless draw against Ecuador at the Estadio Monumental.

Arsenal forward Martinelli started on the bench and came on in the second half.

Carlo Ancelotti made a mistake with Gabriel Martinelli during Ecuador vs Brazil

Brazil had a few players missing in attack in their game against Ecuador, most notably Arsenal target Rodrygo.

Teenager Estevao Willian started in his place on the right wing, with Vinicius Junior on the opposite side and Tottenham’s Richarlison playing through the middle.

Brazil managed just three shots at goal all game, and were nowhere near the level you would expect from a side aiming to win the next World Cup.

The worst of all was Richarlison, who has been awful for Brazil for over two years now, but he was still given an opportunity.

The Spurs star was the worst-rated player on the pitch for Brazil, according to Globo Esporte, and that is proof that Ancelotti made a mistake starting him.

We think Gabriel Martinelli should’ve been given a chance through the middle in place of Richarlison – we’re convinced he would’ve done a better job.

Instead, Ancelotti deployed Martinelli on the right wing when he came on in the second half. That, again, was a mistake.

Gabriel Martinelli deserves more opportunities as a number nine

Martinelli played as a striker when he first arrived at Arsenal, and he was fantastic.

The Brazilian was incredible under Unai Emery in his first few months at the club, and managed to score plenty of goals.

Under Arteta, Martinelli has mostly played out wide, and although the role on the left is where his attributes work the best, he has what it takes to play down the middle.

Arsenal fans loved it when Martinelli played as a striker against Liverpool at Anfield, and we think he deserves more opportunities there.

But, with a new number nine set to come in at Arsenal this summer, we just can’t see the Brazil international getting any minutes as a centre forward.