Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard of Arsenal celebrate the first goal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD2 mat. A number of Arsenal players are gaining further recognition on the international stage, but some still find themselves on the fringes of their National Team squads. Centre-backs William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes have been outstanding for Arsenal, but the pair were often overlooked by the France and Brazil teams until recently....For More READ THE FULL STORY▶▶
Saliba is now a starter for France, having impressed at Euro 2024, whilst Gabriel was imperious for Brazil in their victory against Chile.
Gabriel started alongside Paris Saint-Germain defender Marquinhos, and played the whole 90 minutes as Brazil came from behind to win.
Arsenal have two other players aiming to make their mark with Brazil, but whilst Gabriel Jesus has seen his stock fall, losing his place in the squad, Gabriel Martinelli is growing in popularity in his home country.
Gabriel Martinelli of Brazil scores the team’s fourth penalty in the penalty shoot-out following the CONMEBOL Copa America 2024 quarterfinal match …
Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images
Andreas Pereira praises Arsenal star Gabriel Martinelli after impressive Brazil cameo
In the recent victory away at Chile, Martinelli was only an 85th-minute substitute as he replaced left-back Abner, with Brazil searching for the winning goal.
The Arsenal winger, who has seen his form improve in recent weeks, made a positive impact, driving at the opposition defence, and it was his spark which eventually led to the attacking move in the 89th minute, which then saw Luiz Henrique curl in a winner.
Martinelli took to Instagram to express his delight at the victory, posting a picture with the caption “We continue,” and he was praised by one of his teammates.
Former Manchester United star, and current Fulham midfielder Andreas Pereira commented “Monstro enjaulado,” which translates to “caged monster,” and Brazil fans clearly agree, as they believe that Martinelli now deserves more game time over one of their key wingers.
Brazil fans want Gabriel Martinelli to replace Vinicius Junior
The Brazil National Team is enduring a difficult period on and off the pitch, despite possessing a lot of world-class talent in their ranks.
Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior is Brazil’s most high-profile player in the absence of the injured Neymar, and the 24-year-old is one of the favourites for the Ballon d’Or after an outstanding campaign at club level saw him score in a second Champions League final.
However, it has been a different story with the National Team, as the attacker has managed just five goals for his country, and many in Brazil have been critical over his performances.
Some fans have even taken to X to claim that the Real Madrid superstar should lose his place for the brighter, and hungrier Martinelli.
“Vinicius Jr. has done nothing in the national team to be an absolute starter, he is only a starter according to the media. Martinelli, for example, should have much more minutes than him,” one Brazilian fan posted.
“Vinícius and Endrick have to stop their arrogance, I’m rooting for Real. Until then, they’re stopping playing football to be arrogant. They don’t run, they don’t mark, they just walk around the field. They have to become reserves in Brazil. Martinelli can play without any problems,” another fumed, highlighting Martinelli’s excellent work rate.
“Brazilians WANT Martinelli to play. they’re mad about him getting subbed on last minute and impressed at how he always changes the game even with little playing time. everyone is noticing how he always plays better than coach’s favourites and more famous teammates, it’s his time,” another added.
Martinelli struggled at early points of this season, but his recent form has seen him praised for his work-rate as he rediscovered his eye for goal, and fans in his native Brazil are clearly impressed with him. Whilst Vinicius may be the better player, Martinelli’s hunger for game time, as well as his eagerness to support his teammates, could make him the better option to get Brazil back on track....For More READ THE FULL STORY ▶▶
