Manchester United Legend Rio Ferdinand has admitted that he loves Arsenal youngster Gabriel Martinelli and has disclosed that Mikel Arteta once likened him to former Liverpool and Barcelona Striker Luis Suarez.
Gabriel Martinelli was named the Man of the Match in Arsenal’s 3-2 win over Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday at the Emirates Stadium. The Brazilian international scored and provided an assist in that match and was a nightmare for Liverpool defenders.
He terrorized Liverpool right-back James and Trent Alexander-Arnold through the first half before was sub off because of injury.
What did Rio Ferdinand say about Gabriel Martinelli?
Speaking on his YouTube Channel, Vibe with Five, Rio Ferdinand said: “I love Martinelli, love him. I saw Arteta a couple of years ago, at Bournemouth away, and Martinelli was just coming through.
“I said to him, “What’s he like man? He looks good to me. I like the look of this kid.”
“And he went, “He’s going to be special”. I asked him what type of player he is, who is he like, and he said, “There’s a bit of Suarez in there”. And I was like “That’s enough for me, he’s gonna be a problem”.
“He’s a bad player, he was the wrong ingredient for Trent [Alexander-Arnold] when he’s searching for confidence. The wrong ingredient. He did not need that!”
Arsenal are currently top of the Premier League with 24 points after nine games and Rio Ferdinand believes the Gunners are cooking something this season.
The Manchester United Legend added: “We’ve always sat here and there have been moments over the last few years, since Wenger really, where we’ve gone, “They look like they’re onto something… oh no they’re not, they fell again”.
“But this smells different. I must admit, this smells different. And I wish Arteta the best of luck because I like the way he carries himself, I like him, and I really like watching the Arsenal team now I’ve got to say. Martinelli and Saka and Jesus, I love them.”
On Gabriel Jesus, Rio Ferdinand said: “He could have sat at City and just won trophy after trophy, but he’s gone to Arsenal where he’s upped their levels I think. And he’s an important member of that team. Not that he wasn’t important at City but he’s more important here.”
Gabriel Martinelli has scored four goals and provided two assists in the Premier League so far. Gabriel Jesus also has five goals and three assists in the Premier League.
Arsenal will face Norwegian Champions Bodo /Glimt on Thursday and will play Leeds United at Elland Road on Sunday.
