Gabriel Martinelli on how Mikel Arteta differs from Brazil coach Fernando Diniz

Gabriel Martinelli outlined a “creative” difference when playing for Fernando Diniz and Mikel Arteta.

Martinelli scored his first goal for Brazil over the international break. Although Colombia triumphed 2-1 over the Selecao, the winger put in a brilliant display to prove he deserves to be called up to the national team.

It was Brazil’s interim boss Fernando Diniz who called the Arsenal winger up for their November fixtures, starting him in both games also. Diniz recently guided Fluminense to their first-ever Copa Libertadores title and is regarded in some circles as somewhat of a tactical visionary. However, Brazil have lost three straight games under his tutelage after they were beaten by Argentina on Tuesday night.

Gabriel Martinelli on how Mikel Arteta differs from Brazil coach Fernando Diniz

Speaking to Gazetta Esportiva, via TBR Football, Martinelli compared Diniz and Arteta: “They’re different working methods, they’re different coaches, each one has his own way.

“At Arsenal, Mikel [Arteta] has his way and here Diniz has his way. “They’re different ways of playing, but they’re ways of teams that like to have the ball. Last game I’d never played so much creative football, but I felt good. Diniz has been talking to me, giving me confidence. I feel comfortable playing like this.” Martinelli added.

Martinelli’s comments hint at Arteta’s emphasis on positional rigidity in the final third. Arsenal’s attack has certainly been less fluid at the start of 2023/24, with Martinelli often sticking to the left touchline. In the absence of Granit Xhaka and Oleksandr Zinchenko featuring less, the left-hand side dynamic which worked wonders last season is yet to come to the fore this term.

Nevertheless, the Brazilian remains a key contributor for the Gunners, and Arteta has been crucial in Martinelli’s development.

Speaking in the post-match interview after Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Manchester City last month, Arteta waxed lyrical about Martinelli: “His mentality is incredible at his age,” he said. “It’s a joy to have him. Today he could change a game and he was really helpful for us to win the game.”

Despite returning from South America in the week, Martinelli will be expected to start on Saturday evening as Arsenal travel to Brentford in the Premier League.