Gabriel Martinelli might be left out in most games Arsenal have played this season, he has a bright future at the Premier League club according to the club’s coach, Mikel Arteta.
The 19-year-old Brazilian winger has been a subject of debate both in the mainstream and social media. Fans and pundits think Gabriel Martinelli should be given more game time in the current set-up of Mikel Arteta’s team.
This argument has been gaining more momentum due to the inconsistent results the club has been recording in the absence of the Brazilian youngster.
The last time Gabriel Martinelli played for Arsenal in the Premier League was on January 30, 2021, against Manchester United. The game ended in a goalless draw.
Since then, Arsenal have recorded 5 defeats without Martinelli who managed to make 7 Premier League appearances without scoring nor providing any assist. He has played 13 games in all competitions for Arsenal this season in which he provided an assist. Besides his form, injuries have not given him the chance to fully prove himself at the club.
Ahead of Arsenal’s Premier League game against Sheffield United scheduled to kick-off at 19:00 today, April 11, the coach of Arsenal, Mikel Arteta stressed that Gabriel Martinelli still has a lot to learn in the game of football.
Hence, he urged those who want to see the Brazilian star in action to be patient, adding that the youngster is being benched because there are a couple of options in his position.
The coach said: “When the team is not winning enough football matches, we always look for someone else to do it. But we can name a few of those.
“I respect that, and Gabi is doing really well. He is doing better every day, he is getting the right development.
“We have to be a little bit patient with him but he has a bright future at the club and he will have all the opportunities that he needs to show us how good he is and the career he can have with us…
“Because we cannot put six or seven young kids out there. We need some cohesion, we need the timing.
“Gabi has a lot of things to improve. He has got big qualities as well, and we have other players in those positions.
“Then we have to create links within the team and balance within the team. This will come.”
Mikel Arteta and his boys are currently sitting on the 11th spot on the league table with 42 points in 30 games after recording 12 defeats, 6 draws, and 12 wins. They are expected to beat struggling Sheffield United later today to boost their chances of finishing stronger on the league table.
