David Luiz believes Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli can offer something different to other talents he has seen before.
The Brazilian international claimed that his compatriot surprised him when first arriving at the Emirates Stadium in the summer with many different attributes.
Luiz shared that he believes the 18-year-old will go far in his career on the early evidence he has seen and the hunger he has to learn from Unai Emery and his squad.
“I began admiring him for his work, mentality, his football, and his desire to learn every day,” he said in a Q&A, as quoted on Arsenal’s official website.
“I’ve had the chance to meet many players, many young talents from several different countries, and Gabi has something different.
“If he keeps it up, he will experience great things in football. I think that is what has surprised me so far.”
Martinelli has only made five starts in the Europa League and the EFL Cup since arriving from Ituano in the summer and has had to settle for appearances off the bench in the Premier League behind Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexander Lacazette.
The Brazil youth international has managed to find the back of the net seven times in those starts, including two in the defeat against Liverpool.
What do we think?
Martinelli has certainly been a breath of fresh air in North London since arriving in the summer. The South American has already proven the ability he has to score all types of goals, from beating his man in the air to poaching in the six-yard area.
There is no doubting the fact that Arsenal have found themselves a gem in the 18-year-old. Luiz made a bold claim that he has something different to anyone he has seen before given the clubs he has played for in his career, but if the striker can continue in the same run of form, there are no limits to where he could end up.
It was revealed in March that Arsenal had beaten 25 other clubs to the signature of the Brazilian in the summer [Yahoo Esportes]. With that many clubs having been queuing up for that chance to bring him in, it only proves that the Gunners winning the race can only be benefitial to them in the future.
On the early evidence this season, it won’t be long until Martinelli is given consistent minutes to impress in the Premier League, not only the domestic cups.
