Mikel Arteta: Gabriel Martinelli Is Proof That You Can’t Rush A Youngster’s Development

By The Editor
on 19th December 2021

Mikel Arteta says Gabriel Martinelli’s form is due to being prepared properly…

Mikel Arteta has stated that Gabriel Martinelli’s current form is proof that you can’t rush the development of a young player after the Brazilian bagged a brace in our 4-1 win at Leeds, the boss told Sky Sports.

Martinelli, after a period where he was used sparingly, has started the last five league games and contributed with four goals and two assists.

The former Ituano starlet’s potential has long been identified by many at the club but after suffering a serious knee injury before ‘Project Restart’ last year, he has been reintroduced gradually.

Arteta has resisted constant calls in the past few months to play Martinelli with fans often wanting wholesale changes to the side following a poor result.

Regardless, the boss said Martinelli is now benefitting from that patience and is ready to play at this level.

“Huge,” Arteta responded when asked how big a step the 20-year-old has taken in recent weeks.

“But that’s why you have to prepare a player. You can’t throw in a player when you think he’s not ready.

“Gabi has made the right steps and he’s evolving in the right direction. There’s still huge potential and the ceiling is I don’t know where because he has so much to still improve.

“He’s very humble. His big passion in life is football,” Arteta added.

Arteta may often talk in riddles but it’s clear that he previously felt there were certain glaring deficiencies in Martinelli’s game that needed ironing out before he was given an extended run in the team.

The Spaniard mentioned after the West Ham game that Martinelli understands he can’t do everything at “100mph”, and his patience on the ball is something that’s improved massively.

As Arteta said, it will be exciting to see the level Martinelli can get to.