Pundit ‘wowed’ by ‘very young’ Arsenal player who’s ‘exceptional’ and far better than Aubameyang
Noel Whelan has claimed Gabriel Martinelli is “more important” to Arsenal than outcast Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the 20-year-old has been “exceptional” since establishing himself in the side.
Martinelli scored a sumptuous brace as Arsenal beat the Whites 4-1 at Elland Road on Saturday – his third and fourth goals of the season.
Speaking after the match, as quoted by club media (18 December), Mikel Arteta hailed the youngster’s “energy, passion, and commitment”.
The Brazilian has started each of the last five Premier League games for Arsenal.
Whelan insisted the youngster is “riding the crest of a wave” at present.
“It’s not just against Leeds. Since he’s come in after the Aubameyang situation, wow, he’s been exceptional,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“We know what a great player he is, we’ve seen glimpses in the past. He’s still very young, but right now he seems to be riding the crest of a wave.
“He’s full of confidence, full of beans – not just going forwards, I love what he does at the other end too. He tracks back brilliantly.
“He can be crucial for Arsenal in the run-in if he can keep up this amazing form. He’s very clever with his movement and running – and that willingness makes him more important than having someone like Aubameyang.
“Right now, he’s doing exactly what Arteta wants from him.”
Martinelli has matched Aubameyang’s Premier League goal tally (four), despite playing 252 fewer minutes.
Arsenal sit fourth in the top flight after 18 games.
Martinelli joined the north London side in 2019 from Brazillian side Ituano.
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