Arsenal are enjoying life near the top end of the Premier League table after a remarkable squad transformation under Mikel Arteta.
Arteta and Edu Gaspar rebuilt a failing Arsenal into one which could compete at the top level, with a vibrant young squad, and a newfound Brazilian influence in the team has helped the Gunners thrive.
There was a shortage of top-class Brazilian stars at the Emirates since the departure of Gilberto Silva, but Arsenal in recent years have brought in Gabriel Magalhaes, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus.
All three have thrived at Arsenal, but both Martinelli and Jesus have come in for criticism this season.
Nevertheless, Jesus has now praised Martinelli, and highlighted his important qualities for Arteta’s side and the Brazilian National Team.
Gabriel Jesus praises Arsenal and Brazil teammate Gabriel Martinelli
Speaking to Arsenal club media, Jesus explained what makes Martinelli so special, and revealed that his first encounter with the winger came long before he joined Arsenal from Manchester City.
“I first met him when I was at a training camp with the national team. Brazil call in young players a lot to help us out and try them out, and I think I first saw him in around 2018, 2019. I was like, “Wow. What a player – this guy can really fly,” Jesus stated.
“I followed him after that and when he came to Arsenal it was quite a jump from Ituano in Brazil, but he just played his game, straight away.
“On the pitch everyone knows what he can do, but off the pitch what makes him special is his hunger. He wants to learn, he wants to improve, he wants to play.
“He’s there all the time, asking for the ball, taking on the opposition. He just goes again and again. He gives us a different type of player.”
Gabriel Jesus and Martinelli link up well together for Arsenal
Both Jesus and Martinelli have had injury-hit and inconsistent campaigns, and Jesus has fallen behind Kai Havertz in the pecking order.
However, if both can return to their best form, they will be excellent assets for Arteta. Last season they both helped Arsenal surge to the top of the league, and the pair had a strong blend of speed and skill.
Both players delivered in big games, with Martinelli crossing for Jesus to score at Anfield in the title race last year, and Jesus has admitted his disappointment that they have not been able to replicate a similar level of link play this year.
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“Unfortunately this season we haven’t played together a lot, mainly because of me having some injury problems and then Gabi sometimes as well,” he added.
“It’s a shame because last season we were flying together and the connection was really good. We played with a lot of freedom and movement, and I hope we can come back and play together more because I think we understand each other on the pitch.”
Jesus has been linked with a summer exit, but Arsenal are well aware of what an incredible talent Martinelli is, and are not going to give up on him any time soon.
