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Gabriel Martinelli has dismissed the comments by many who believe that he did not deserve his call-up to the Brazil squad ahead of the World Cup.
THE LOWDOWN: INCREASING STOCK
Gabriel Martinelli has put in a great shift for Arsenal this season and earned a spot in the 26-man squad list that Brazil manager Title selected to represent the five-time World Cup title winners.
However, a few names have been put forward as more deserving than the Ituano FC academy graduate.
Topping the list is Flamengo striker Gabriel Barbosa, popularly called Gabigol, whose performances helped the Brazilian Serie A club to the top of the mountain in Brazil and on the continent.
A video of Neymar reacting in surprise to Martinelli’s inclusion also made the rounds, fueling the fire for those who believed Title gave the wrong person a call-up.
THE LATEST: HITS BACK AT DOUBTERS
Martinelli has responded, this time in a softer, more confident tone after a furious rant following the initial comments.
Speaking on the Neymar reaction video, the Arsenal man said: “I hope it was a good surprise. Neymar is a hero of mine, he’s a guy all the youngsters look up to and I’m no different,” said Martinelli. “It’s a pleasure to be here playing with him.”
And speaking on the comments in general, he said: “My season is going well, we (Arsenal) are on the top of the Premier League, we are doing well there, and I am confident.
“I don’t pay much attention to people that don’t know me, that don’t know how hard I work.
“I just have to focus on football, listen to my family and the people close to me. That’s what’s most important to me.”
Martinelli is expected to play a squad role in Qatar with Vinicius Jnr and Richarlison ahead of him in the pecking order. However, he is confident about his chances.
Brazil will first take on Serbia on Thursday in a replay of their 2018 World Cup group stage clash. Serbia will be coming into the game with Aleksandar Mitrović’ and Dušan Vlahovic, who both have a combined 15 goals in 22 league games in their respective leagues.
Asked about his thoughts on the two strikers and the upcoming game, Martinelli said: “He is a big guy, we know he has a lot of qualities and he is good as well.
“We have to take care of him, but not just him, they have a very good team as well.”
Real Madrid defender Eder Militao, said: “They’re great players, they’re strong, they have a lot of quality and obviously we are studying our opponents a lot and we’re preparing for everything.
“We have to be very careful with these players. In the World Cup, whoever makes the fewest mistakes ends up victorious.”
THE VERDICT: PROPER MENTALITY
Martinelli is feeling confident in his abilities and it is now down to him to show his doubters that he deserves a spot in the Brazil lineup. He will likely not get a starting berth but will be ready to perform whenever he is called upon.
