Arsenal told their star attacker could well be the best player at World Cup 2026
Joe Cole, a football pundit, has praised Arsenal and Brazil attacker Gabriel Martinelli prior to the World Cup.
Cole and colleague analyst Peter Crouch discussed Martinelli’s participation in Tite’s plans for the Qatar tournament in a YouTube video.
Martinelli may not play much in the coming weeks due to players like Neymar, but he could be the star of the following World Cup.
Brazil’s plethora of attacking possibilities is one of the reasons why they are a popular selection to win the World Cup on December 18.
Cole on Martinelli
Cole said: “Playing for Brazil is the one. To get a cap for Brazil, especially as a forward, you know straight away, you’re one of the elite players in the world.
“The only one which was a surprise for me – not a (huge) surprise cos I love him, is Martinelli.
“I think that one there, they’re bringing him, but especially because they’ve got eight other forwards, I don’t think he’ll play much but the next tournament, he could be the star. Neymar’s getting on a bit.”
Crouch added: “What a player to bring on though, if you’re getting tired in extra time, bring on Martinelli. That could be a gamechanger.”
Martinelli has been in sensational form for Arsenal this season as they have surged to the top of the Premier League by five points thanks to his play.
He will be hoping for an opportunity to flourish for Brazil in Qatar, but Neymar will hope to start on the left wing for Brazil.
Martinelli who hopes to win the Premier League may be a vital player for his country by 2026, but he may get a chance off the bench this time around.
Arsenal told their star attacker could well be the best player at World Cup 2026
