Cesc Fabregas agrees with Rio Ferdinand about Gabriel Martinelli ahead of Arsenal comeback

Gabriel Martinelli is nearing his Arsenal comeback after missing the start of the current season due to the knee injury he picked up during the training in June. The 19-year-old has already become a key player at the Emirates Stadium since making his Gunners debut in August 2019. He has scored seven goals in 12 appearances in all competitions, while his displays have already impressed Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand. When being asked to compare United's Mason Greenwood to Martinelli, Ferdinand said: "To be 18-years-old, doing what he's doing; the goal against Chelsea alone, he runs from the edge of his box - a set-piece against his team - he takes it to the other end. "Normally, your legs are gone by then, you've got no energy and no juice in your legs, but he has the composure to slot it. "Great player, but the awareness of the way he plays, the way he moves on the pitch, the intelligence to receive the ball, the positions he takes up." Then he added: "He (Martinelli) comes inside at the right time to allow Saka to have space on the outside and ask the opposing full-backs the questions. 'Are you gonna come inside with me, or are you gonna stay with Saka?'. "It's mad. He's a mature player for such a young kid." Former Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas has also previously shared his praise on Martinelli, revealing the youngster is the one Gunners player he would've liked to play alongside at the Emirates Stadium.

Source: Express UK 

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