2 years ago
3427 Arsenal star Gabriel Martinelli was called up to Brazil’s World Cup squad ahead of Liverpool star Roberto Firmino earlier this week, and journalist Gabriel Carneiro has explained why.
Tite’s squad looks really, really good. The likes of Neymar and Vinicius Jr will make the headlines, but with Casemiro, Thiago Silva and Marquinhos all guarding the attacking players, Brazil are one of the favourites to go all the way in Qatar.
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Brazil boss thinks Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli has ‘more qualities’ than Liverpool star Roberto Firmino – journalist
There was always going to be room for just one of Martinelli, Firmino and Gabriel Barbosa, aka Gabigol.
Many in Brazil expected that it will be the latter after his fine season with Flamengo. A few others felt Firmino’s experience and good start to the new season will get him the nod. However, Tite decided to go with Martinelli instead, who has been absolutely sensational for Arsenal since the start of the campaign.
Brazilian journalist Carneiro revealed that the Selecao manager felt Martinelli had better qualities than Firmino.
He told UOL: “From what we have of information, the last decisions that Tite made for the list were to call Daniel Alves or a fifth defender, in this case he chose Daniel Alves, and either Gabriel Martinelli or Firmino.
“Tite ended up seeing more qualities in Gabriel Martinelli to make this call-up.
“Gabigol is a player who had his opportunity, he had continuity, but he never really captivated the coaching staff, they always understood that other players did better in the roles he does.
“What we heard is that Tite fought to make Firmino fit in, but ended up preferring Martinelli.”
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TBR View:
Both Martinelli and Firmino are tremendous players.
The £6 million (Goal) Arsenal man can play anywhere across the front three. He’s absolutely rapid, works extremely hard for the team and is a key member of the leaders of the Premier League.
Firmino has contributed to more goals than Martinelli this season, but the Brazilian’s style of play is completely different to the Arsenal number 11. The £29 million (BBC) Liverpool star would’ve provided a different option for Tite, but he believed Martinelli was the better choice.
That’s disappointing for Firmino but there’s nothing he can do. As for Martinelli, he completely deserves it after a great start to the new season.
Photo by IAN KINGTON/AFP via Getty Images
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