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Former Chelsea man Joe Cole believes Gabriel Martinelli will get little or no playing time with Brazil at the World Cup in Qatar.
THE LOWDOWN: SUPRISE INCLUSION
Martinelli was not expected to make Brazil’s squad to the world cup when it was announced by Tite. It came as a shock to many, including the player due to circumstances surrounding the national and not form.
Martinelli was a surprise inclusion in the Brazil squad for the competition ahead of Roberto Firmino and Gabriel Barbosa and that made a pundit question the choice.
The winger has been superb for Arsenal this term. His notable performance came in the win over Liverpool. In total. the 21-year-old has been able to contribute five goals and two assists in the Premier League this campaign.
THE LATEST: PUNDIT’S POINTS
Former Chelsea star Joe Cole believes Gabriel Martinelli might find it difficult to play in Qatar because of how competitive the Brazilian national team is.
The 21-year-old has been in top form at Arsenal, which has seen the Gunners finish as Christmas champions of the Premier League and Cole believes he will rarely play and will instead shine in the next edition.
He told Ladbible TV: “Playing for Brazil is the one.
“You see players get 100 caps for certain countries. But to get a cap for Brazil, especially if you are a forward player. You know straightaway, you are one of the elite players in the world.
“Like Vinicius, Neymar and Jesus. The only one that was a surprise, not a surprise because I love him, but Martinelli. I think they are bringing him, especially since they have eight other forwards, I don’t think he will play much. But I think in the next tournament he could be the star. Neymar is getting on a bit, isn’t he.”
THE VERDICT: HIS TIME WILL COME
Martinelli is still young and with how the Brazillian team looks like, it might be difficult for him to get minutes. Unless there is an injury to the players ahead of him, he might not make any appearance.
However, his selection means he is now part of the national team setup and will need to stay consistent in order to be selected for subsequent games and tournaments. He is still young and more chances will come for him in the future.
