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Arsenal star Gabriel Martinelli's attitude singles him out for stardom, says Hector Bellerin

Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin believes teenage forward Gabriel ­Martinelli is destined for the top, claiming his attitude is even greater than his ability in front of goal.​

Martinelli joined Arsenal in the ­summer from Brazilian side Ituano for a fee in the region of £7million and he has instantly made an impact in England.

The 18-year-old scored his 10th goal of the season last night, as Arsenal twice came from behind to draw 2-2 at Chelsea, and in doing so he became the first teenager to hit double figures in a single season for the Gunners since Nicolas Anelka during the 1998/99 campaign.

Martinelli’s threat in front of goal is naturally drawing plenty of praise, ­particularly in the absence of the suspended Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, but Bellerin believes it is the Brazilian’s attitude which makes him destined for big things in the future.

“A lot of people talk about his talent, but what people don’t see is that Gabi is a professional,” said Bellerin. “He turns up early every day. He does all the stuff anyone asks him to do. He leaves everything on the pitch. The goals are just a plus.

“He helps us in every single way and the thing that everyone needs to praise him for is his attitude. That is what makes him [such] a player.

“He is obviously really young, so many things can happen, but if he keeps his head where it is right now, he is going to go really far.”

Arsenal had looked set to leave ­Stamford Bridge empty-handed after being reduced to 10 men and going a goal down inside the first 30 minutes.

But the Gunners hit back through Martinelli after half-time and, when Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta restored the host’s lead, Mikel Arteta’s side showed their fighting spirit again as Bellerin equalised late on.

“Obviously, I am very happy with the goal,” said the right-back, who was ­making his first appearance since December 5 after recovering from a hamstring injury.

“But what has truly made me happy is seeing everyone really defending with heart, with spirit and playing for each other after losing a man in the early moments of the game.

“It is really difficult to get back into the game twice, especially at a place like Stamford Bridge. That is what has really made me happy.”

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