Kevin Campbell has been left amazed by Arsenal new boy, Marquinhos, after he scored on his debut during his side’s 2-1 Europa League win over FC Zurich on Thursday night.
The Arsenal legend stated that Marquinhos looked ‘quick and strong’ and was rightfully emotional after scoring in the first half against the Swiss side, as he told the Highbury Squad.
It was another busy and big-spending window from the Champions League-chasing side, including Marquinhos arriving from Brazil giants Sao Paulo.
When Marquinhos initially joined, there was even talk that he might be loaned out in order to gain some valuable experience, but the 19-year-old impressed so much that he stayed put.
Well, fans can see why because his debut in the colours of Arsenal was one he won’t forget and a sign of things to come from the highly-rated prospect, who will now be aiming to make his Premier League debut.
But what did club legend Campbell like about his debut? Well, he explained and it’s fair to say he is excited about the flying teenager.
“He’s strong and he was direct,” said Campbell. “You get a little glimpse in pre-season, but it’s not the competitive games you want to see.
“This was his first real chance. It was his debut and we get to see him. I thought he was excellent – he’s got that jink when he shifts the ball on his left and whips it in.
“Quick and strong. Look at the ground he made up for the goal – I love the emotion Marquinhos showed. He was in tears because it means so much. A young lad coming from Brazil, gets his chance and takes it. He was the star man (against FC Zurich).”
GABREL MARTINELLI MARK II
Well, there is something about Arsenal dipping into the Brazil transfer market and managing to sign a gem that looks like he has come through the ranks of an all-expensive youth set-up of a European team.
Gabriel Martinelli is proving to be that guy because, at the age of 21, he is a first-team regular, and after three goals in six league games, there is no reason why he can’t hit double figures.
Marquinhos seems to be 12 months ahead of where Martinelli was when he first joined, but nonetheless, there is still a long way to go for him to grow into a superstar.
Added with that, the Gunners have a perfect platform in the Europa League to hand him those regular minutes because it wouldn’t be a surprise if he is one of the stars of the show during the early stages of the Europa League.
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