Marquinhos saw his season, which has included a considerable amount of highs and lows, come to an end last night as his Brazil side lost in extra-time to Israel in the quarter-finals of the U20 World Cup.
A lot has happened for Marquinhos in the past year and the 20-year-old will hope that next season he will be able to show more consistency on the senior stage.
Signed from Sao Paulo last year, the winger was named in Arsenal’s first-team squad but was initially involved with the U21s and started the season in superb form at that level with three goals in two games.
First-team involvement followed, with Marquinhos scoring on his debut against Zurich in the Europa League and also providing an assist in that game. He also made his Premier League debut as a late substitute away to Brentford.
However, Marquinhos found it difficult to get playing time at Arsenal and was sent out on loan to Norwich City for the second half of the season. He got off to a good start with a goal and an assist on his Canaries debut against Cardiff City but struggled to make much of an impact thereafter and didn’t exactly receive rave reviews from Norwich fans.
Then came the U20 World Cup, where Marquinhos found the net against Nigeria in the quarter-finals. During the tournament he was used in various positions, including in midfield and at left-back.
Marquinhos will now have some time off before returning to Arsenal for pre-season, but his chances of featuring regularly for the Gunners next season appear slim, especially if Reiss Nelson remains at the club.
Another loan could therefore follow, but perhaps a spell abroad could be more beneficial on this occasion.
There is certainly quality in Marquinhos’ game, with his directness and powerful shots capable of causing all manner of problems for opponents. At times, though, he can be on the periphery of proceedings for long spells and it is hoped that next season, wherever he is playing his football, the youngster can start to demonstrate his ability on a more regular basis.
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Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird
There’s no way he’s getting in the team next season, a better loan and we’ll see again next summer.
Anyone else getting the faint whiff of Joel Campbell?
Gnabry
Considering he is only a little over a year younger than Martinelli, he seems way behind him developmentally. He has the right physical characteristics, but he needs to more bravery and confidence to beat his man in a dribble. Thats what Martinelli did. He just went for it and we loved him.
The problem is he lacks pace to be successful as a winger. Thought Edu said he was a budding superstar. He also bought Fabio Viera for 35m another waste.
Edu can’t get Arteta first choices if the player is not a Brazilian/Portuguese. Arsenal should look for a better recruiter and a SP who can sell players for good price other than giving players away.
Marquinhos cost very little so not much to lose there. Admittedly Vieira has been underwhelming but it’s only his first season in England. Everyone else over the last couple of years has been a success.
Marquinos is actually pretty quick. Maybe not Walcott quick but close to Martinelli. Viera has had one season at arsenal. He needs time. Also your comment re nationalities is not accurate. Edu got Saliba, Tomi, Partey, Trossard to name a few. All have been excellent.
I think Saliba was a Raul signing, no?
We have the best recruitment of any Prem team in the last 2 years. That’s a big part of how we moved from 8th to 2nd this season.
Howard, are you serious. Are recruitment has been nothing short of fantastic. ødegaard – £35 mil – how much is he worth now? Ramesdale, Tomi, Ben White, Zinchenko, none of these are Brazilian or Portuguese.
It’s impossible for every signing to be a Martinelli. Edu is doing a fantastic job, plus he’s a massive gooner. COYG!!!
He needs a good loan somewhere abroad, maybe Portugal or even back to Brazil.
Only 20 so still plenty of time to develop.
I was thinking France. Not sure why, exactly. Maybe because it’s a little more physical and less ‘comfortable’ than Portugal (or even Spain) for a Brazilian.
Germany, maybe? That might challenge the part of his skillset that needs improvement the most? No expert here, just a thought. France certainly isn’t a bad choice, and there’s an argument for going to a country that doesn’t feel “too much like home” (where he doesn’t speak the language, I guess) – we’ve seen other players mature after “going away”. I remember something about Arteta sending someone abroad because he needed to “mature” more than develop his already quite good footballing skills. Either way, depending on who we sign, a loan seems reasonable. If we don’t get any significant upgrades… Read more »
@JeorgeBird the goal against Nigeria was in the group phase. I must admit though he doesn’t seem to make much impact when he plays. He was very ordinary at the U-20 WC where you’d have thought he’d shine.
Israel were very good in that game and even missed two penalties in ET. Perhaps we should pluck some of those players for the ‘New Benayoun’.
Timing is everything if you’re coming through the youth ranks at Arsenal.
Saka and Martinelli are not world class but also got lucky that Auba & Pepe we’re basically flops in their position.
However good you are, it’s not the best time to be a 19/20 year old winger at Arsenal and unless you’re the next Messi you’re gonna have to make it elsewhere.
Premier league loan move next season would be ideal- do burnley need a winger?