Journalist: Arsenal ace Gabriel Martinelli could become a top 5 winger in Europe this season
We’re delighted to welcome freelance journalist Alex Barker, also known as Euro Expert, who has worked for Breaking The Lines, GFFN and more, as our exclusive columnist. Each week he will be giving his views on the biggest talking points on Wonderkids across the UK…
Arsenal ace Gabriel Martinelli could become a top five winger in Europe this season in his current form, according to journalist Alex Barker.
The Brazilian has become a key member of Mikel Arteta’s side on the left wing as Arsenal have had their best start to a Premier League season ever with nine wins from ten games.
And the 21 year old speedster has hit four goals and registered two assists so far this season, which Barker sees as form to become one of the best wingers on the continent by the time the season comes to an end and believes he could even get into the Brazil World Cup squad.
“I think so, I’m sure if you ask people they’ll say he’s already had a breakout season,” he told The Football Wonderkids.
“I think what’s always stopped him before is the injuries right? He’s always been in and out of the team. He seems to really be a starter now for Arsenal and he doesn’t seem to be going away.
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“He’s quite scary, because I watched him against Liverpool. Lots of people poked fun at Trent Alexander-Arnold who obviously wasn’t good for that second goal, but even when Gomez came on Martinelli absolutely terrorized Liverpool. He was electric.
“I think by the end of the season we’ll start talking about Martinelli as a top five winger in Europe.
“People will start to talk about him in that conversation. I don’t know if he’ll get to that level, he’s certainly not there right now. But by the end of the season people will be talking about him like that if he carries on like this.
“I don’t think he will [start for Brazil] because of Neymar and Vinicius, that’s the issue. He’ll probably be a good player to have on the bench.
“I imagine against a tired defence at a World Cup he could wreak havoc, so I imagine it’s a bit like England’s right-back scenario. You’re kind of screwed for having Neymar, Vinicius at left-wing and I’m sure we’re forgetting players as well.
“Then you’ve got Rodrygo too and wherever Jesus decides to play. It’s quite a stacked lineup for the Brazil national team.”
In other Arsenal news, Martinelli is in talks to extend his stay at The Emirates