Arsenal need Gabriel Martinelli and Arteta’s plan must begin

Seeing the Arsenal lineup that took to the pitch for the Europa League semi-final clash with Villarreal, early thought processes centered around who would play centre-forward. A more cynical approach was that is was a very elaborate way of not playing Gabriel Martinelli.

The idea is simple, the planning respected: Mikel Arteta sees Gabriel Martinelli as a striker and after the lengthy spell he had on the sidelines and the niggling issues that followed upon his return, easing him back into the fold is essential for his development.

There are different types of learners: verbal, visual, logical, physical. Each person has their preferred way of absorbing information to best make use of what they’re being taught. The method with which Martinelli is being groomed into a centre-forward is currently leaning heavily towards the first three categories, with dashes of the fourth. The focus needs shifting.

Despite the progression into a striker, the Brazilian’s recent outings, either off the bench as the fallback option or from the start, have been off the left wing. Only for 13 minutes against Benfica and 16 minutes against Everton has been assigned the central figure role.

Arsenal need Gabriel Martinelli and Arteta’s plan must begin against Newcastle in the Premier League on Sunday

Not one spectator of opposing sides, players within the club or even legendary star of the game has an ill word to say of the 19-year-old. His name has been sung from the rooftops without so much as a broken note.

An Arsenal side worryingly blunt in the opposition box need someone of his infectious energy. Martinelli, like witnessed in his cameo against Villarreal, belongs on the football pitch. For longer than varying spells. He does all the simple elements right – aggression in duels, counter-pressing, making attacking runs, aerial presence and defensive output – and that needs to allowed to sing as the No. 9.

There is no better place than Newcastle for Sunday’s Premier League encounter.

Eddie Nketiah is going to leave; Folarin Balogun will get his chance next season; Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is still recovering from malaria; Alexandre Lacazette needs time with his injury.

It’s important with talent that you trust it. Believe in the ability and allow it to bear fruit. Martinelli has the world at his feet and, yes, he’s still only 19 with glorious years to come, but the truth is Arsenal need him and there are few arguments to suggest he isn’t worthy of starting.

Let the boy play and do what everyone knows he can do.