Gabriel Martinelli recommended a new role as Mikel Arteta dealt huge injury blow.Arsenal have dealt another significant injury blow at a critical time of the season. This means Mikel Arteta will need to come up with some new tactical adjustments. The revelation is that one of the Gunners’ key attacking players has picked up a bad knock. This leaves Arteta with limited selections for the front line. To make matters worse, the Gunners face some tough matches to come in England and Europe.
Martinelli’s New Responsibility
With these circumstances in mind, the rumor has it that Arteta has recommended Gabriel Martinelli in a new role. This is to compensate for the situation. The Brazilian player is very comfortable playing as a left winger. But Arteta now might move him more centrally in an attacking position to fulfil the role. Martinelli is known for his speed, pressing energy, and direct runs. He has the ability to take on these new responsibilities. However, the change in positioning may create a tactical challenge for the player to adapt.
Arteta’s New Tactical Challenge
Arteta has previously praised Martinelli for his ability to adapt to new positions and uptake team roles. This could now be immeasurably useful. However, this means Arsenal may not have the same width or explosiveness Martinelli offers operating on the flank. Other attacking players such as Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard will need to step up and assist and provide an even balance within the forward line.
Impact on Arsenal’s Season
This injury blow is a severe blow to Arteta’s squad depth, illuminating once again the fine margins seen in Arsenal’s ultimate league title and Champions League ambitions. If Martinelli makes it success in this new position, then he could be the difference in being able to maintain Arsenal’s ambitions. However, it will depend greatly on how fast the adaptation to this reshuffling and whether the substitutes can fill in for the injury absence of the star player.
As featured on GoonerNews.com