Arsenal’s return to pre-season action saw a youthful Gunners squad sweep aside MLS outfit Colorado Rapids with a convincing 3-0 victory.
Fans got their first glimpse of Gabriel Martinelli in an Arsenal shirt, and the teenager rewarded them with an audacious improvised finish off his chest to score the team’s third on a productive night for Arsenal’s youngsters.
And with the Brazilian catching the eye of the fans in his opening game, supporters have been lauding the club’s latest (and so far only) signing in the transfer window by giving him some very high praise indeed.
Drawing comparisons with compatriot Neymar – and perhaps some even more questionable than that – the excitement surrounding Martinelli has certainly got these Gunners fans hoping of a bright future for the youngster.
It has even prompted calls for him to start for the senior side – even if only as a tongue-in-cheek suggestion. But certainly judging by these comments, there seems to be an appetite amongst the fanbase to see more of Martinelli throughout the season, with his opening cameo in a Gunners shirt giving Arsenal fans reason to get excited about their latest arrival:
Better than Pelé
— Lil Intro Vert?? (@matsusp12) July 16, 2019
Better than Neymar u kno. Get Neymar in so that he can clean Gabriel boots
— Pranov Suresh (@PranovSuresh) July 16, 2019
Seems like he’s got some great all around game. Could be really something with a bit of seasoning.
— Moondoggie (@Moondoggie38) July 16, 2019
Dude was solid all night. Best player on the pitch for most of the game. Excited to see how he contributes this year!
— Travis Ross (@rossomeness) July 16, 2019
star in the making !????
— goodguy_gooner (@Kanishqq) July 16, 2019
Ronaldo 2.0
— Leahsnel (@leahsnl) July 16, 2019
neymar is a poor man’s martinelli
— Jackzo Ball (@JackByrnes19) July 16, 2019
Who needs mbappe when we have this kid. Well done kid
— ASB (@ASB_195) July 16, 2019