Arsenal: Gabriel Martinelli is praised by Rio Ferdinand
Arsenal star Bernd Leno believes Gabriel Martinelli can become a world class player one day if he keeps up the good work. Martinelli arrived as a complete unknown at the Gunners last summer but quickly managed to make his presence known with a series of impressive performances.
Arsenal star Bernd Leno has identified a future star (Image: GETTY)
Leno told Soccer AM: “I think he can become a world class player. World class, 100 per cent, because he has talent, he has quality.
"But I think his biggest strength is his mentality. He is working unbelievably [hard].
“I remember in our bad time when we struggled a lot, he was working so hard, he was one of the leaders and at 18 years old he came from nowhere, nobody knew him before and to play like this and to behave like this is very good to see.
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Arsenal star Gabriel Martinelli has put together some impressive performances (Image: GETTY)
"I think if he keeps going like this he will be an unbelievable player.”
Martinelli is among a group of Arsenal youngsters that have been enjoying a breakout season these past few months earning themselves a place in Mikel Arteta's starting line-up.
The likes of Bukayo Saka, Reiss Nelson, Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Eddie Nketiah are making their own claim as future Gunners stars.
Leno believes this is an exciting time for the fans as they get to see a young team grow and develop into something promising for the future.
But the Germany international insists that they will need time and is confident that they will be successful as long as they develop the right mentality.
Leno added: "I think for the fans it's very good because you have a very young team, they can develop very quick.
"Of course they need time, you have to give them the time and if they have a good mentality we will be successful with them."
Arsenal are currently ninth in the Premier League table with eight points adrift fourth-placed Chelsea.