Mikel Arteta believes Gabriel Martinelli’s mentality is his greatest strength and what sets him apart from other players.
Having arrived from Brazilian side Ituano, the 18-year-old striker has been a hit at Arsenal, already reaching double-figures in his debut season with 10 goals in 21 appearances across all competitions.
Seven of those goals have come since Arteta’s appointment in December.
“For me, the biggest one is his hunger, his attitude and his willingness,” Arteta said at Arsenal’s training camp at the Nad Al Sheba Sports Complex in Dubai, UAE.
“And after that obviously, he is a threat in front of goal. He can finish, he can run in behind, he’s a fighter. But his biggest attribute is his personality.
“He doesn’t care what type of game it is. He just wants to win and do his best every single day in training and in games.”
Martinelli recently helped fill the void created by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s three-match suspension and has since started alongside the Gabonese striker and Alexander Lacazette in Arsenal’s latest outing.
The teenager is giving Arteta a selection headache with £72m summer signing Nicolas Pepe also to call upon.
The Spanish coach revealed he was aware of Martinelli even before his appointment but has only fully appreciated his talent since arriving at the club.
“I was [aware of him], but it’s different when you know him personally and find the right reasons why he’s doing what he’s doing at his age.”
