Legendary former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry has now given one key reason for why Gabriel Martinelli is so popular at the club.
Gabriel Martinelli is a favourite amongst Arsenal supporters.
What’s more, the winger clearly has the faith of Mikel Arteta. Even though the Brazilian did not have his best season last time out, he was still afforded 24 Premier League starts out of 35 appearances in the competition overall.
It was not until the latter stages of the campaign, when Leandro Trossard’s form demanded that he start regularly, that Martinelli was handed a role as an impact substitute. Nine of his last ten Premier League outings came from the bench.
The 22-year-old ended the season with 8 goals and 5 assists to his name, across all competitions. This represents a significant drop from his return of 15 goals and 6 assists in the previous campaign.
Whilst it is normal for young players to have such fluctuations in form, Martinelli will be expected to get back to his best next season. Martinelli is a “special” player, with vast potential, and has already shown that he can shine at the highest level. Thierry Henry is certainly convinced of his talent.
Arsenal icon Thierry Henry heaps praise on Gabriel Martinelli
The North London club’s all-time leading goalscorer has now identified one attribute that has endeared Martinelli to Arsenal fans and staff.
Speaking on the official Premier League YouTube channel, the Frenchman said: “You can play low with him, on the counter. You can press with him. I think the way he did improve is amazing. People love him at Arsenal, because he gives 100% every single game.”
Even when the winger is not firing on all cylinders in front of goal, Arteta can rely on him to work his socks off, press relentlessly, and never shirk his defensive responsibilities. Arsenal midfielder Jorginho has previously hailed Martinelli for his defensive work rate.
How Mikel Arteta can get the best out of Martinelli
One of the reasons Martinelli struggled to produce his best for much of last season was due to the inconsistencies of the support network around him on the pitch. Arteta chopped and changed who played at left-back and in the left-eight midfield role.
This meant that Martinelli had little opportunity to develop on-field chemistry with players in either of those positions, and as such he often cut an isolated figure on the left flank as the Gunners tended to funnel their attacking build-up play on the right-hand side of the pitch.
Arsenal are keen to sign a new left-back this summer. Arteta also wants to bring in a midfielder who will free up Declan Rice to make the left-eight berth his own. These arrivals could help Martinelli to rediscover his spark.