Speaking on the Wrighty’s House Podcast, Ian Wright has been discussing Gabriel Martinelli and his hopes of going to the World Cup.
The Brazilian is in the form of his life at the moment, but sadly, there is just so much competition in the Brazil team in attacking areas right now.
Wright thinks that Martinelli has an outside chance of going, but the pundit says that even if the winger does make the tournament, he’s not likely to get much of a game.
Martinelli’s World Cup hopes
The pundit gave his view on Martinelli’s chances.
“We did an interview with Martinelli and his dad said that he was targeting the 2022 World Cup, but I think that will be tough for him. The two teams he’s just played, Tottenham have Richarlison and Liverpool have Firmino. Those three are in the run-in and I think only one of them will go. If he carries on playing how he’s playing he might go, but even if he does go, I’m not sure he’s going to play too frequently,” Wright said.
Right man, wrong time
Unfortunately for Gabriel Martinelli, Wright is correct here, he may not go to the World Cup.
Now, that isn’t because he’s not good enough to play senior international football, he’s the right player at the wrong time – just look at who Brazil have in the attack.
Neymar, Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo, Antony and Raphinha are all fantastic options on the wings, while Gabriel Jesus, Richarlison and Firmino are all in the mix up front.
Sadly, this tournament may be coming just a little bit too soon for Martinelli, but by the time 2026 rolls around, he should be ready to star for his country on the biggest stage.
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