Exclusive: David Luiz Reveals What Makes Gabriel Martinelli a Standout Talent at Arsenal

Arsenal defender David Luiz has revealed his admiration for the work ethic of teenage striking sensation Gabriel Martinelli, in an exclusive interview with 90min.


The 32-year-old was out and about with teammates Mesut Ozil, Lucas Torreira and Kieran Tierney at the launch of a new adidas store on Oxford Street, participating in a kit customisation scheme as part of the Gunners' In the Community scheme.

​Luiz - who joined Arsenal from London rivals Chelsea on deadline day last summer - spoke candidly on the talents of young striker Martinelli, revealing that as well as his impressive technical ability, the young Brazilian had demonstrated a tremendous work ethic since arriving in the summer from Ituano.


"At Arsenal, I'm so happy because I can see the top talents with great mentalities," Luiz explained.

"[The young players] who go far are the ones with great mentalities, and don't just have talent. I don't want to say who is the best talent, but the best mentality [in a young player at the club] is Martinelli.

"He has a great mentality. He's a top guy, a top top player, but what makes him more impressive is his mentality. On the training ground, the way he's reacted after scoring goals [including at Anfield], the way he continues to work, not asking to play. This is a great mentality.

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"He's taking his opportunities step-by-step, always with the same focus and determination. He respects the time [it takes to develop] and is very mature for his age."

Luiz also opened up on his goals and aspirations for ​Arsenal, confirming that he wants to help bring the glory days back to north London after 15 years without a Premier League title.

"At the moment, I feel very good, especially with my physical condition. A few years ago [my fitness] was not the best, but now I feel very well. I still love football and want to play for as long as I can, especially at a high level.

"After that, if I'm not at a high level [or I'm unable to compete] and I don't love the game anymore, I will decide on another thing. But for the moment, I signed for another big club in my career and I have the ambition to win at this club and help Arsenal win titles again."

Luiz will be undoubtedly be targeting success in the Europa League this season, but it's the Premier League where Arsenal will feel they have a point to prove. 


The Gunners have been inconsistent so far this season, but have the opportunity to prove they are top four material when they take on high-flying ​Leicester City at King Power Stadium in this weekend's late kick-off.


David Luiz was speaking at the adidas x Arsenal MakersLab event. For more details on the adidas flagship store events visit https://www.adidas.co.uk/ldn.


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Source : 90min