Martinelli compliments Klopp after ‘talent of the century’ praise

Arsenal striker Gabriel Martinelli has labelled Jurgen Klopp “one of the best tacticians in the world” after earning praise from the Liverpool boss.

The Brazilian has scored 10 goals in 23 appearances this season in all competitions – starting 13 of those matches – since his transfer from Ituano over the summer.

The 18-year-old scored twice in normal time as Arsenal lost to Liverpool on penalties in the Carabao Cup in November, with Martinelli‘s performance earning praise from Klopp.

“Van den Berg played an incredible game,” said Klopp at the time.

“That’s really difficult to deal with these guys. Martinelli’s pretty much the same age but he’s a talent of the century, he’s an incredible striker, so it’s really difficult.

“Then you have Mesut Ozil around and [Joe] Willock right, who scored by the way a really nice one.”

On the Liverpool boss’ comments, Martinelli told Spanish publication Marca: “I feel very proud that one of the best tacticians in the world speaks well of me.

“Now I have to remain firm, focused and continue working to achieve greater things.”