Journalist James McNicholas has now claimed that one Arsenal star would thrive in a different role under Mikel Arteta.
Mikel Arteta has not been averse to shaking up player roles at Arsenal this season.
For instance, Ben White has been tasked with adopting an inverted role at right-back. Declan Rice has found that he can make an impact in the final third having been pushed higher up the pitch. Jakub Kiwior has emerged as a reliable left-back option, despite being a centre-back by trade. Kai Havertz has hit form as a false-nine, though Arteta tried to mould him into a midfielder.
James McNicholas believes that Gabriel Martinelli is a prime candidate to undergo a similar evolution at the Emirates Stadium.
The Brazilian is an established starter for the north London club on the left flank. The 22-year-old tends to hug the touchline, stretching the opposition defence. On the ball he has the pace and flair to take on full-backs in an effort to reach the byline before delivering a ball into the box. However, he also has the capacity to cut inside onto his stronger right foot, and the attacker is a lethal finisher when through on goal in one-on-one situations.
Mikel Arteta encouraged to change Gabriel Martinelli role
Speaking on the Arsecast Extra podcast, McNicholas has now highlighted why he feels that Martinelli would excel if deployed as a striker. The reporter said, “he has the potential to be so much more, so much more explosive, and play in central areas, but he does what Arteta asks of him.”
Arteta has good reason to keep Martinelli out wide on the left. The nine-cap Brazil international has shown that he can be an extremely effective presence in that part of the pitch. His back-up option, Leandro Trossard, lacks the raw pace and directness that Martinelli offers.
Martinelli can also be relied upon to support the left-back behind him. Considering the Gunners’ first-choice left-back, Oleksandr Zinchenko, has his flaws as a defender, it is vital that he receives help from higher up the pitch. Jorginho has previously hailed Martinelli for his willingness to attend to his defensive duties.
Would Gabriel Martinelli make a good Arsenal striker?
There has also been no pressing need to task Martinelli with spearheading the attack. Gabriel Jesus, Trossard, and Havertz have all impressed in that role at times this season.
However, Martinelli certainly has all the makings of an effective number nine. He makes smart runs, boasts an impressive first-touch, is composed in front of goal, and his blistering pace would test any defence. It may well be that Arteta views his long-term future in this part of the pitch. For now, though, the player’s skillset, work-rate, and willingness to follow tactical instructions make him an ideal winger for Arsenal.