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Arsenal youngster Marquinhos has received his first call-up to the Brazil U20 side following his excellent start with Arsenal U21s.
THE LOWDOWN: GOOD START
Marquinhos joined Arsenal from Brazilian outfit Sao Paulo this summer, although a fee was agreed back in May for his transfer. The wonderkid has since then been training with the U21 side of the Gunners.
Though he took part in Mikel Arteta’s preseason preparations, he had been featuring for the U21s since the season began. The winger gave a man-of-the-match display on the opening day win over Manchester United. Coincidentally, Mikel Arteta happened to be in the stadium that day.
In the following game against West Ham, the 19-year-old starred in the game and scored twice in the game for the young Gunners. So far, he has been able to notch three goals and one assist in two games.
THE LATEST: DESERVED CALL-UP
Following his excellent start to life in London, Marquinhos’ efforts have not gone unnoticed as he has been deservedly handed a call up to the Brazil National U20 team.
Marquinhos has been capped with the Brazil u17s in the past, but he’s had to wait for opportunities in the older age groups. Brazil announced Marquinhos as part of their u20 squad to compete in a tournament in Uruguay between the 4th and 11th of September.
Brazil will face Uruguay, Argentina, and Uzbekistan at the event, as part of their preparation for the 2023 CONMEBOL Sudamericano Sub-20 event next February – which will also serve as a qualifier for the u20 World Cup later that year.
Marquinhos’ involvement in the September tournament could help him push into the Brazil side for the more competitive events in 2023.
THE VERDICT: FIRST TEAM CHANCE?
The kid has started brightly with the U21s and if he continues at this rate, Mikel Arteta might eventually hand him his debut in the first team. The first step towards making that has happened as the 19-year-old trained with the first team squad on Tuesday morning.
Mikel Arteta will now need to decide if and when Marquinhos is ready to make the step up to the senior squad for competitive fixtures, but the early signs are certainly positive that he’ll make that leap at some stage.
