Martinelli picks Smith Rowe in his all-time club teammate XI

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Gabriel Martinelli has picked an XI made up of those he has played with at club level for Brazilian outlet Globo – and unsurprisingly, his side is made up entirely of Arsenal stars.

Mikel Arteta’s side have been transformed this season. They top the Premier League table after an amazing start to the campaign.

So it is not a huge surprise that Martinelli’s team is predominantly made up of the players who have been so integral to the Gunners this term.

Martinelli picks Smith Rowe in his club teammate XI

Aaron Ramsdale, Ben White, Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba have been joined by Oleksandr Zinchenko in the backline.

Meanwhile, the familiar midfield trio of Thomas Partey, Granit Xhaka and Martin Odegaard feature for the Brazil international.

Gabriel Jesus leads the line, with Bukayo Saka to the right. But the interesting call comes on the left, with Emile Smith Rowe making the cut…

It has been a frustrating season for Smith Rowe so far. The 22-year-old has not played in the Premier League since September due to injury.

Before that, he had played more of a peripheral role anyway, largely because of the performances of Martinelli.

It will be a huge boost for the Gunners when Smith Rowe is back fully fit. He was absolutely outstanding last season, taking his opportunity in the side with both hands.

Arsenal fans will hope that their squad is bolstered with the arrival of new signings in January. But the importance of Smith Rowe’s return cannot be understated.

Having that depth could be huge for Arsenal as they look to pick up where they left off.