Former Norwich City striker Dean Ashton thinks Marquinhos is a ‘wonderful talent’ as the winger makes an impressive start after leaving Premier League leaders Arsenal on loan, speaking on ITV’s EFL Highlights Show (25 February, 9pm).
Five months after marking his Gunners bow with a well-taken finish in the UEFA Europa League against FC Zurich, the teenage Brazilian was at it again in the yellow-and-green of Norwich.
It took Marquinhos just 37 minutes to open his account for David Wagner’s side; stylishly slotting home following excellent work from Onel Hernandez.
“This kid is special,” smiles Ashton, who became Norwich’s record signing back in 2005.
“He scored on his Arsenal debut and he’s now scored on his Norwich debut. 19 years old, Marquinhos. He’s a wonderful talent. A special left foot.
“I think they are very lucky to have him. He can help them progress and get into the play-offs.”
Marquinhos shines after leaving Arsenal for Norwich City loan
The former Sao Paulo wonderkid, who joined Arsenal for just £3 million in the summer, could potentially be the difference between success and failure for Norwich; the Canaries still outside the play-offs but closing in on the top-six following an impressive start to life under former Huddersfield Town coach David Wagner.
According to Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, Marquinhos should benefit from a few months of regular first-team football at Carrow Road. He does, after all, have none other than Bukayo Saka ahead of him in the Emirates pecking order.
“With Marquinhos, he needed minutes,” Arteta explains. “It is going to be a really tough. But really good test for him to play in that league with a great club.”
Norwich have now won three of their last four Championship games. There are just five points between themselves in seventh and Michael Carrick’s Middlesbrough in third; the battle for the play-offs involving what feels like nearly half the division.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
