Since Arsenal’s 1-1 draw against Everton, Mikel Arteta’s mind would have been fixated on finding tactical loopholes in Real Madrid’s system that the Gunners could exploit in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final.
But one takeaway from the Champions League season after season has been that it is decided by moments of individual brilliance.
Luckily for Arsenal, they have plenty of names who could turn the game on its head against Real Madrid by producing a moment of magic.
David Raya hopes William Saliba steps up against Real Madrid and the pair will certainly have a major say for Arsenal in the contest and so will their forwards such as Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli — four players who Los Blancos have no experience of coming up against.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side will certainly be making big plans to stop Bukayo Saka, who publicly committed his future to Arsenal in the lead-up to the blockbuster clash and will be hoping to become an even bigger fan favourite at the Emirates Stadium with a performance for the ages.
Gabriel Martinelli could be Arsenal’s joker in the pack vs Real Madrid
But Martinelli is one player who could actually end up being Arsenal’s game-changer against Real Madrid.
The £5.1 million (Football.London) man will have a burning desire to have the game of his life — considering Arsenal could be willing to sell Martinelli as his form has endured a significant dip since last season.
Aside from Gabriel Martinelli’s potential intrinsic motivation to rescue his career and reputation at Arsenal, he could especially hurt Real Madrid due to the two advantages he has on his side.
- A threat in transition
- The prospect of facing either Federico Valverde or Lucas Vazquez playing out of position at right-back
Declan Rice has pinpointed how fast Martinelli is and considering several games in the Champions League tend to be end-to-end, the Arsenal winger might be suited to playing against Real Madrid as they leave space at the back when bursting forward to attack the opposition.
The Brazilian international has always been an excellent outlet as well and if given the space to run in behind the Spanish giants’ backline, he could have a field day and put them to bed due to being a traditionally clinical finisher.
With Real Madrid right-back Dani Carvajal nursing an ACL injury, Martinelli could also pounce upon the prospect of facing either Federico Valverde or Lucas Vazquez — who are both not full-backs by trade and could have a nightmare against the Arsenal wideman due to his frightening pace, quick feet and directness.
Gabriel Martinelli’s record vs Spanish clubs in the Champions League
Emile Smith Rowe raved about Martinelli’s technique which will have to be on show to help Mikel Arteta’s side secure a famous win against the champions of Europe.
The 23-year-old will far from have an easy task on his hands, with the likes of Antonio Rudiger and even Raul Asencio forming a formidable centre-back pairing that can protect their defence despite players playing out of position.
What will instill confidence into Arsenal fans is knowing that Martinelli has an inspiring record against Spanish clubs in the Champions League ahead of their clash against Real Madrid — with a goal and assist to his name in three appearances in total.
Whether the former Ituano sensation rises to the occasion or wilts under the pressure remains to be seen but Los Merengues would be shooting themselves in the foot if they are not wary of the threat he poses.
