Martinelli and two Arsenal teammates tipped to dazzle after ‘incredible’ training ground reveal – pundit
Gabby Agbonlahor has backed Emile Smith Rowe, Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka to “continue to shine” for Arsenal this season.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Aston Villa and England attacker claimed Martinelli is now undroppable after his hot run of form.
The 20-year-old has scored four times in his last six Premier League appearances, including a brace in the 4-1 win over Leeds United at the weekend (19 December).
As quoted by Sky Sports yesterday (21 December), Mikel Arteta revealed Martinelli worked “incredibly hard” in training and is developing into a well-rounded player.
Asked if Martinelli is now undroppable in the Premier League, Agbonlahor told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley: “100 per cent.
“What you’ve got to understand is he’s 20-years-old. When you’re that age, I was the same, you get confidence from playing games. You get more confidence with each game you play in.
“You’re going to score more goals with each game you play in. You’re playing on adrenaline.
“If you miss six chances nobody is too bothered because you’re young. You get away with more, there’s less pressure.
“Young lads will always shine if they’ve got the confidence to play in front of a big stadium packed full of fans.
“If you get the ball and run it out of play or mis-control it you are not going to get the same sort of criticism as a senior pro would get.
“Martinelli, Saka and Smith Rowe will continue to shine this season, for sure.”
Martinelli now has 16 goals and nine assists in 63 games across all competitions for Arsenal.
He is under contract at the Emirates until the summer of 2024.
In other news, an injury expert has dropped a ‘massive’ claim on an Arsenal star amid fears of a muscle ‘tear’.