Gabriel Martinelli became a leader at Arsenal during their bad start to the Premier League season, according to Bernd Leno.
The 18-year-old Brazilian was one of the few positives for the Gunners during the final months of Unai Emery’s troubled reign, after joining for just £6 million ($8m) from Ituano last year.
Leno says he has no doubt Martinelli can become a top player, and has been impressed with his mentality and hard-working nature.
“I think he can become a world-class player,” Leno told Soccer AM.
“World class, 100 per cent, because he has talent, he has quality but I think his biggest strength is his mentality.
“He is working unbelievably [hard]. I remember in our bad time when we struggled a lot, he was working so hard.
“He was one of the leaders! At 18 years old, he came from nowhere, nobody knew him before and to play like this, and to behave like this, it’s very good to see.
“I think if he keeps doing like this, he will be an unbelievable player.”
Martinelli has scored 10 goals in 26 appearances for Arsenal, including one particularly memorable solo effort in the 2-2 Premier League draw at Chelsea.
He is one of a clutch of young players to find themselves being given chances to shine in the Arsenal first team this season.
The likes of Joe Willock, Bukayo Saka and Reiss Nelson have all enjoyed time on the pitch and are expected to continue their development under Mikel Arteta.
“I think for the fans it’s very good because you have a very young team, they can develop very quickly,” Leno added.
“You can see they compete, they are playing a lot of games.
“Saka is very young, Joe is still very young, Reiss had experience in Germany and he is doing very well now. We can have a very good time with them.
“Of course, they need time, you have to give them the time and if they have a good mentality, we will be successful with them.”
Leno also spoke about Mesut Ozil, saying he believes many fans don’t understand the German’s importance to the team beyond simple goal and assist statistics.
ciddeikno
0
let coach give him full chance we will see his true colour. a great player not tomorrow but now
ciddeikno
1
this boy is another Rinaldo is given a chance by coach. he will be a gaol pocher
TEGBYVYBZS
1
yha it is true
Naoadsyz
2
Top man in the world
emondorock
1
I like Leno but stick to Goalkeeping please.
nutmegprince
0
we shouldn't put too much weight on him, he's too young we must give him time
but cr7 and mbappe were something else at that age... he can also be a star at that age I believe... tho you're right pressure shouldn't be too much on his shoulders yet
shahidfd
3
Leno is damn underrated
Resdilsuy
3
we must pay Martinelli now on a long contract.
NorthBankStanding
0
Cr 7 in the making
Better
Zeebepsty
1
you could have misused him.
totally agree with u
kripzie_k
1
except club
Dundinho
2
Barca board fucked up. He could have been ours. Arsenal is really lucky
you could have misused him.
supbden
1
very good talent the coach must use him properly
vadalmory
0
our everything ee need martinelli
EXOTICHUMAN10
1
Since mkhitaryran doesn't look like he coming back he should take the number 7 kit and play Sanchez position
we shouldn't put too much weight on him, he's too young we must give him time
Mocmnop
3
Since mkhitaryran doesn't look like he coming back he should take the number 7 kit and play Sanchez position
SH221B
2
Our future star 🔥
VANMAF
5
Martinelli :running with ball during london derby Kante :confused.. Seeing the ball like a floater.. He decided to dive on the pitch thinking it was a swimming pool instead of stamford bridge
VANMAF
6
Cr 7 in the making
Zaoacdklyz
6
Barca board fucked up. He could have been ours. Arsenal is really lucky