Martin Odegaard believes Arsenal team-mate Gabriel Martinelli is 'one for the future' and urged the Brazilian to continue his hard work to force his way back into the side.
The 19-year-old has struggled for minutes this season after returning in December from a long-term knee injury, which not only required surgery but also kept him sidelined for nine months.
Martinelli scored 10 goals in 26 appearances in his debut season for the club after joining from Ituano in 2019, but having featured in three straight Premier League games following his return from injury, he has since seen little game time.
He was left on the bench by Mikel Arteta for six consecutive top-flight games before being totally omitted for the 2-1 North London derby victory - in which Odegaard scored his first Premier League goal since joining on loan from Real Madrid in January - and has seen just 22 minutes of Europa League action this term.
When he has featured, Martinelli has been limited to sporadic appearances as a substitute, most recently replacing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the second half of the thrilling 3-3 draw at West Ham last weekend.
But Norway international Odegaard, 22, believes Martinelli is a 'top talent' who will 'reach his goals' if he continues to show endeavour in training.
Asked if there was an Arsenal youngster that had particularly impressed him, Odegaard told the Premier League: 'Yeah. Obviously we have Bukayo [Saka] and Emile [Smith Rowe] and they are already playing so much. But I think one guy who hasn't played that much lately is Gabi Martinelli.
'He's such a big talent, you see him in training every day and you see it. He's a really talented player with a lot of qualities, so I think definitely he's one for the future. And he's so young still, so I will go with him.'
Asked if Martinelli can make an impact for Arteta's side, Odegaard added: 'Yeah definitely. As I said, he's really young so he just has to keep working hard – as he's doing every day in training.
'He will reach his goals because, from what I see every day in training, he's a top, top talent. 'For him it's just about continuing doing his work and then everything will come for him.'
Martinelli has yet to score for Arsenal this season from 11 appearances, while his only assist came in the 4-1 Carabao Cup quarter-final defeat by Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium just before Christmas.
But speaking earlier this month, Arteta insisted Martinelli's lack of game time was his fault and urged the forward to remain patient for his opportunity.
'If anything it is my fault. He has done everything perfect,' Arteta said.
'He trains incredibly well every day. His attitude cannot be any better. He is really disappointed that he is not playing more obviously.
'I have spoken to him, but he needs to be a little bit patient. He's had some minutes, he's had some games as well.
'And it's true that the competition now for the front positions is very tough and he needs to be patient and he will get his chance.'
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