Leno has outlined the hard-working nature of the Arsenal forward, and believes that the Brazilian teenager could turn out to be an unbelievable footballer.
Leno said about Martinelli on SoccerAM, as transcribed by Goal.com: “I think he can become a world-class player. World class, 100 per cent, because he has talent, he has quality but I think his biggest strength is his mentality.
“He is working unbelievably [hard]. I remember in our bad time when we struggled a lot, he was working so hard. He was one of the leaders!
“At 18 years old, he came from nowhere, nobody knew him before and to play like this, and to behave like this, it’s very good to see. I think if he keeps doing like this, he will be an unbelievable player.”
Stats
Martinelli joined Arsenal from Ituano Futebol Clube in the summer of 2019 for a transfer fee reported by The Telegraph to be worth £6 million.
According to WhoScored, the 18-year-old has made six starts and eight substitute appearances in the Premier League for the Gunners so far this season, scoring three goals in the process.
The Brazilian has also made five starts and one substitute appearance in the Europa League for the North London outfit, scoring three goals and providing two assists in the process, according to WhoScored.
Football in England is suspended at the moment due to the global health crisis, and it is not clear when the season will resume.
Promising talent
Martinelli has been progressing well at Arsenal, and if he continues to do so, then he will become a star of the future and a key figure in the Gunners’ team.
The Brazilian is only 18 years of age, and he is still developing and progressing as a footballer, and there should not be too much pressure heaped on him now.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
