Rio Ferdinand has said on his YouTube channel that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta compared Gabriel Martinelli to former Liverpool star Luis Suarez two years ago.
The former Manchester United star made the comments about Martinelli while looking back at Arsenal’s win against Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium in the Premier League on Sunday.
The 21-year-old Brazil international forward scored one goal and provided an assist for the Gunners.
Arsenal won 3-2 against Liverpool in North London.
BT Sport pundit Ferdinand has said that two years ago, Arsenal manager Arteta compared Martinelli to Luis Suarez.
Suarez starred for Liverpool in the Premier League before going to achieve success with Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.
Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli compared to former Liverpool star Luis Suarez
Ferdinand said: “I love Martinelli. I love him. I saw Arteta a couple of years ago, Bournemouth away, and Martinelli was just coming through.
“I asked him, ‘What’s he like? Because he looks good to me. I like the look of this kid’. He went, ‘He is going to be special’.
“I asked him, ‘What player, who is he like?’ He said, ‘There is a bit of Suarez in there’.”
Huge talent
In our view, Gabriel Martinelli is a massive talent and is one of the best players at Arsenal.
The Brazilian has established himself as one of the first names on the Arsenal teamsheet and is a regular in the team now.
The youngster is very quick, and he is able to control the ball brilliantly when he is on the run.
Martinelli has been sensational on the left, and for Arsenal to be successful this season, he has to stay on top of his form.
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