Liverpool needed two players to mark Martinelli- Klopp
In his maiden season at Arsenal, Martinelli became the first teenage goalscorer to reach double figures for the club since Nicolas Anelka in 1998-99
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has once again lauded Arsenal star Gabriel Martinelli for his display on Wednesday.
The Gunners forward has taken a while to become a first-team regular at the Emirates Stadium.
In his maiden season at Arsenal, Martinelli became the first teenage goalscorer to reach double figures for the club since Nicolas Anelka in 1998-99.
For a while, the 20-year-old remained on the fringes of the Gunners' first team, but he has well and truly taken his chance this season.
This term, Martinelli has registered five goals and three assists from 19 Premier League appearances.
On Wednesday, the Brazilian was arguably one of Arsenal’s best players in the 2-0 defeat to Liverpool.
He gave Trent Alexander-Arnold a torrid time for the most part, prompting praise from Klopp at full time.
The Reds boss, speaking on BBC Match of the Day, commented on several of his players before speaking about Martinelli.
“Mo Salah said he was fine but you still need to try him in training,” said Klopp.
“And we had a full session with the other boys so we stuck to that.
“It was clear he would come on. He was very lively and kept Kieran Tierney quiet.
“That helped Trent Alexander-Arnold, who was exceptional.
“Gabriel Martinelli, you need two at least. Sensational game for Andy Robertson too.”
Klopp also lauded Martinelli after Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Arsenal in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg.
“Martinelli by the way… everybody should remember that name,” Klopp said post-match. “Outstanding player.”
And just over two years ago, Klopp deemed the Arsenal gem a “talent of the century”.
