Brazil manager Tite has praised Gabriel Martinelli and explained the late decision to include him in the country’s World Cup squad, while Arsenal supporters think Neymar was surprised by his call-up.
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The 21-year-old has been in outstanding form for the Gunners this campaign, netting five goals and providing two assists in the Premier League to help his side top the table after 13 matches.
Despite his good displays, Martinelli – who has just three caps for Brazil – only appeared to be an outside shot of making Tite’s squad after being left out of September’s internationals.
But on Monday it was confirmed that the Arsenal star would be on the plane to Qatar later this month, with Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino and Atletico Madrid’s Matheus Cunha missing out.
Martinelli will be one of the most inexperienced players in Brazil’s squad, with only Juventus central defender Gleison Bremer and Flamengo attacker Pedro boasting fewer caps.
But despite his lack of appearances, Tite has full faith in the winger’s ability and feels he has earned his place in the squad, with his direct running and ability to take players on a big factor.
Speaking at a press conference after naming his squad for the World Cup, the Brazil head coach was asked why he picked Martinelli and replied: ‘We like Martinelli’s aggressiveness. He’s one of the top players at Arsenal, the first placed team in the Premier League.
‘He’s good in one-v-ones, he’s very rapid in transitions and he’s been playing at a consistently good level.’
Martinelli will be competing for minutes with some big names, with Neymar, Richarlison, Raphinha, Antony, Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo and Gabriel Jesus giving Tite an elite selection of attackers to choose from.
As has become custom among Brazil players, many of them filmed themselves reacting to the announcement and Arsenal fans noticed that Neymar seemed a little taken aback by Martinelli’s selection.
The PSG star did not give much away as each name was read out, but when Martinelli was announced he raised his eyebrows and looked surprised, before giving a little nod of appreciation.
Footage of Neymar’s reaction went viral among Arsenal supporters, one tweeted: ‘Martinelli is coming for his spot soon, that’s why [he looks shocked].’ Another said: ‘Neymar hearing Martinelli’s name before his name made him shook!’
There was less good news for another Arsenal player, Gabriel Magalhaes, who was left out of the team despite a couple of fine displays – including netting against Chelsea at the weekend.
