Former Chelsea attacker Joe Cole has disclosed his admiration for Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli and has compared the player to ex-Premier League stars Alexis Sanchez and Luis Suarez.
Martinelli has been one of Arsenal’s standout performers this season, assisting the Gunners in winning nine of their first ten games in all competitions, propelling them to the top of both the Premier League and Group A of the Europa League.
The Brazilian has started all but one of Arsenal’s games this season and had another impact on Thursday night as Mikel Arteta’s side defeated Bodo/Glimt 3-0.
Before the game, former England midfielder Cole praised Martinelli, calling him a “outstanding footballer” and comparing him to former Arsenal star Sanchez and Liverpool hero Suarez.
“This is an outstanding footballer,”
he told BT Sport when asked about Martinelli’s form.
”I’ve loved him from the moment I laid eyes on him. He’s so busy, he reminds me of Alexis Sanchez and Luiz Suarez. He’s exceptional with the ball at his feet, he’s got great technique and he affects the game.”
“He works so hard and I thought he was the man of the match in the north London derby [on Saturday]. When he gets the ball, there’s no thought of going back, he just keeps driving forward. He’s so tenacious.”
Sanchez and Suarez are two of the best South American players to ever play in the Premier League. Sanchez spent six seasons in the English Premier League, playing for Arsenal and Manchester United. During his time in England, he appeared in 154 league games, scoring 63 goals and assisting 31 times. In 2015, he was named PFA Fans’ Player of the Season.
Meanwhile, Suarez played for Liverpool from 2011 to 2014. The Uruguay international has appeared in 110 Premier League games for the Merseyside club, scoring 69 goals and assisting on 23 occasions. He was named Premier League Player of the Season in 2013-14.
Arsenal has started the season strongly, winning seven of their first eight league games. The London club currently leads the Premier League table, one point ahead of second-placed Manchester City. On October 9, they will host Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium in a league fixture.
