Charles Watts thinks Gabriel Martinelli will be ‘slightly worried’ about his starting spot for Arsenal’s Premier League opener against Nottingham Forest in August because of Leandro Trossard.
The Arsenal expert added that Gabriel Martinelli hasn’t done much wrong during his side’s pre-season tour of the USA and has actually played well.
But he feels that Leandro Trossard’s form can’t be ignored and it might now force Mikel Arteta to start with his £27 million January signing (Sky Sports) over his Brazil star, as he told his own YouTube channel.
Arsenal’s opening Premier League game will be against Nottingham Forest on August 12 at the Emirates – before then, they play Monaco on Wednesday, before rounding off their pre-season by playing Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City in the Community Shield.
Their preparations have gone pretty well so far, with Trossard securing three goals to Martinelli’s one which came against Wayne Rooney’s MLS All-Stars.
Nonetheless, Watts suggested that Arteta could start with Trossard on the left against Forest, with Gabriel Jesus staying up top and Bukayo Saka on the right.
“It’s not because of his performances,” said Watts. “I think Martinelli has been a loser on tour because of Leandro Trossard. The form Trossard is showing and the impact he is making. You are looking and thinking ‘you have to play, surely’.
“Mikel has to start him if he carries on in that form. You look at where he might play and it would probably be in Martinelli’s position. Mikel likes him as a false nine.
“I just think Jesus will start against Forest. I don’t think he will go to Trossard false nine and Jesus on the bench. If anyone has to be slightly worried about their position it’s probably Martinelli on that left-hand side.”
Arsenal competition needed
From Arsenal fans to Arteta, they should all be overjoyed by all of this because it only boosts and enhances the team’s quality.
If the competition between Trossard and Martinelli is matched across the squad, then it only benefits the team.
This is what Arsenal need if they are to challenge and win trophies. Players sitting on the bench that should be starting.
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