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Former Arsenal icon Emmanuel Petit has surprisingly claimed that Gabriel Martinelli is not yet ready to play a role in the Brazil national team.
THE LOWDOWN: RISING BRAZILIAN STAR
The Frenchman has claimed that Martinelli should not be called up to his country’s squad next month for the World Cup. The 21-year-old has won three caps for the Selecao but was not part of the latest squad for the international break in September.
That said, he will eager to put himself in contention for the final in Qatar, especially with his recent form at the start of the season speaking for itself. Martinelli has scored four goals and set up two in the opening nine Premier League games, playing a key role in Arsenal’s rise to the top, including a man-of-the-match performance in the 3-2 win against Liverpool on Sunday
As Martinelli continues to shine, he will be hopeful of making a big push towards the Brazil squad for the upcoming World Cup. The 21-year-old has said that winning the competition was one of his big dreams, with plenty backing the side in yellow to do just that in Qatar.
However, despite the youngster’s flying form, Petit believes that it could be too soon for the winger to be involved in Tite’s squad for the World Cup.
THE LATEST: PETIT DOUBTS MARTINELLI
While many believe that Martinelli has hit form at the right time, Petit sees it in a different light.
Speaking about the prospect of the youngster being called up to the Brazil squad for Qatar, Petit said: “Brazil played against Tunisia and Ghana and won both games, and of course, Martinelli wasn’t in the squad. I think it’s too early for him as there are players with more experience who are more efficient than him.
“We’re in the middle of October, and the list will be done in early November. He’s having a great season, but is it enough to go to the World Cup? This is Brazil. If he keeps on going in the form he’s in, he will be part of it, but I think it’s too early.”
THE VERDICT: WRONG ASSESSMENT
It remains to be seen if Martinelli can force his way into the Brazil squad in time for the finals, but his current form suggests that he could be within a shout of featuring at the World Cup amongst some of the biggest names in football.
The Arsenal gem has already shown his quality in recent weeks and months and very much deserves to play for Brazil at the moment, so we think Petit is wrong on this one.
