‘You can sense’: Ray Parlour now says 21-year-old Arsenal player absolutely loves Mikel Arteta’s training
Arsenal have been revolutionised under Mikel Arteta this season, and it certainly shows on the pitch.
Their performances have earned them a spot at the top of the Premier League, and safe passage through their Europa League group.
Speaking to the Daily Express, Arsenal legend Ray Parlour has spoken about his old club.
Parlour won more than 10 major honours with the Gunners in his time in north London.
Arsenal haven’t been able to match that success in recent years, but things are certainly on the up at The Emirates.
Arteta has built a refreshing, young side that are exceeding all expectations this season.
The Spaniard has implemented a controlling, dynamic style of football that many teams have struggled to cope with.
The work being put in on the training ground is certainly paying off, and Parlour believes one man in particular has been enjoying it.
When he went to visit in pre-season, Parlour says that Gabriel Martinelli was absolutely loving training at Arsenal.
The Brazilian has cemented his place in the starting line-up this season, and been in fantastic form.
In fact, he’s been playing so well that he’s managed to break into Brazil’s squad for the World Cup.
It’s a well-deserved reward for the 21-year-old who has made the position on the left wing his own.
Martinelli loves Arsenal training under Arteta
Speaking about the young Brazilian, Parlour said: “Gabriel Martinelli has always been lively [as well], he needed that run in the team.
“Some players are just waiting for their chance, he’s been patient with a couple of injuries and he had to bide his time, especially with Emile Smith Rowe standing out.
“But now he’s got into the team he’s been unbelievable, he’s been brilliant.
“His work rate, you can tell he loves football. I went to pre-season with Arsenal and you can sense he loves training, loves being out kicking a ball.”
Martinelli certainly won’t be first choice for Brazil in Qatar, and Arteta may be worried his form could suffer as a result.
However, he’ll be working alongside the likes of Neymar and Vinicius Jr. and is sure to learn a lot from the squad.
In fact, he’s already shown his quality while with the Selecao, after scoring a screamer in training.
The fact that Martinelli loves the training he’s receiving at Arsenal is a credit to Arteta and his coaching staff.
The youngster is clearly willing to learn and is developing at a fantastic rate.
Joe Cole has even backed him to be one of the best players at the World Cup in four years’ time, such is the speed at which he’s improving.
Arsenal fans will be hoping he’s still turning out in red and white at the Emirates when that day comes along.
