Martin Keown’s comments on Gabriel Martinelli spells a bad news for Gabriel Jesus
Martin Keown, who is an Arsenal icon, thinks that Gabriel Martinelli has a more innate ability to score goals than Gabriel Jesus. Keown strongly believes that Martinelli’s ideal position is as a center forward.
Jesus has been spotted in training this week, suggesting he is nearing a return to playing after his knee injury at the World Cup.
Meanwhile, Martinelli has been given opportunities as a striker in recent matches due to injuries to Nketiah and Trossard. He has been Arsenal’s top scorer in the Premier League this season as they strive to win their first title since 2004.
With no other fit strikers for the Europa League last-16 first leg against Sporting Lisbon, Martinelli was the only option available, and Keown was eagerly anticipating his performance.
Keown acknowledged that Martinelli has primarily excelled from the left side of the pitch. However, he believes that Martinelli’s long-term position will be in the center of the field.
Keown said on BT Sport: “I believe, strongly believe, that he’s a natural goalscorer. And I would have thought actually the central position is his natural position.
“But from the left, we now get inside forwards. We saw this with [Mohamed] Salah and [Sadio] Mane, particularly when they played together as a pair, just tucking in, because Saka’s doing the same thing. So they get a bit more freedom.
“But put him in the middle and he will score goals. I think he’s about to prove that tonight. He’s got everything in his game.”
When asked if Martinelli has a better instinct for scoring goals than Jesus, Keown’s response may not be pleasing to the returning Brazilian striker, who will soon be vying for a spot in Arteta’s team.
Keown responded: “I do, without doubt. Watch out for his movement tonight, where he sniffs out opportunities.
“He’s definitely a player on the move whenever the ball comes into the box. He’s never stood still, always on the move, very difficult to play against.
“And I do feel that is his natural position. He’s not necessarily a player you can go into and bounce things off.
“But when the ball is in wide positions, his movement’s fantastic. Pace is an ingredient which frightens defenders to death and he has pace in abundance. So that’s what he’s got now to be a top player. It’s all in front of him.”
Martin Keown’s comments on Gabriel Martinelli spells a bad news for Gabriel Jesus
