Gabriel Martinelli called up to the Brazil National Team for the first time

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Gabriel Martinelli has received his first call up to the Brazil national team for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

Martinelli has represented Brazil at under 23 level and also at the Olympics last summer in Tokyo, where they won the gold medal.

The 20-year-old has played in 17 of Arsenal’s 25 league games this season and his recent form has helped the Gunners to move into the top four. He has scored five times and assisted his teammates twice, ranking him in fifth for direct goal contributions by Premier League players under the age of 21.

Compared to wingers and attacking midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues, Martinelli’s shooting statistics are quite impressive. He ranked in the 94^th percentile for goals per shot on target and ranks in the 80^th percentile or higher when considering goals, average shot distance, and expected goals.

Another quality that the winger possesses is his ability to press from the front and the energy at which he carries it out. He ranked in the 95^th percentile for pressures carried out in the attacking third of the pitch, 81^st percentile for tackles, and in the 89^th percentile for shots blocked.

All these qualities were on show in Arsenal’s most recent game against Watford. Martinelli scored the third goal for the north London side after a brilliant one-touch move from his teammates.
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Despite most of the attacks coming down Arsenal’s right-hand side where Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka operated, Martinelli still had an impact apart from his goal. He completed over 86% of his passes, including one key pass, and won 75% of his ground duels.

The Brazilian is having his best goal-scoring season since joining the club in 2019. Manager Mikel Arteta praised Martinelli’s performances.

“Gabi’s playing a different position because Auba played more as a nine in his last few months. He certainly has the capacity to score goals and be a threat in the final third. His contribution and all-around game have been exceptional.”

Martinelli’s teammate Gabriel Magalhaes also received a call-up to the Brazil squad and showed his appreciation for the winger.

Brazil are set to face Chile and Bolivia in their upcoming qualifiers. They have already qualified for the 2022 World Cup but are yet to secure the top spot in the table, with Argentina only four points behind.

It is still unlikely that Martinelli will get any minutes in the two fixtures due to competition for places. The likes of Neymar, Antony, Raphinha, Vinicius Junior, and Rodrygo all received a call-up. Nevertheless, it will still be a good experience for the young Gunner.

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