Brazil boss Tite raves about Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli

By Shamanth Jayaram

Brazil manager Tite has hailed Arsenal star Gabriel Martinelli after naming him in his squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Many expected the young Brazilian to miss out despite his sensational start to the new season. Thankfully for Martinelli, he made the cut, and Tite has now explained why.

Brazil boss Tite raves about Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli

Since the start of this season, Martinelli has been directly involved in seven goals in the Premier League – five goals and two assists.

He has been sensational on the left flank – tormenting opposition defenders with his pace and relentless pressing without the ball. That makes him a really dangerous player, and Tite, who has watched him live at the Emirates this season, has noticed that.

The Brazil boss, after confirming that Martinelli will be on the flight to Qatar next week, was asked why he called the Gunners youngster up. Tite said he really liked the 21-year-old’s pace and aggressiveness, and also hailed him as one of the best players at Arsenal.

Tite said, as quoted by Football London: “We like Martinelli’s aggressiveness.

“He’s one of the top players at Arsenal, the first placed in the Premier League. He’s good in 1v1, very rapid in transitions, he’s been keeping a good level.”

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Martinelli really does deserve his call-up.

The young Brazilian has been absolutely magnificent this season. He is a real handful, and even some of the best defenders in the Premier League have struggled to contain him.

However, Brazil have incredible options in attack. Vinicius Jr, Neymar and perhaps Raphinha will be the first-choice starters for Tite at the World Cup, while the likes of Gabriel Jesus, Richarlison, Antony and Rodrygo are also in contention.

That makes Martinelli’s chances of regular game time at the World Cup very small, but just being among Brazil’s finest in Qatar is a phenomenal experience on its own, and he’ll surely benefit from that.