Gabriel Martinelli on ‘one of the best in the world’ Gyokeres, increased competition for places and his recent form | OneFootball

Gabriel Martinelli says new team-mate Viktor Gyokeres is “one of the top strikers in the world” and is backing him to deliver the goals for the Gunners.

Gyokeres joined Arsenal from Sporting CP this summer and has so far netted three goals in his first nine games for the club.

And Martinelli believes there is plenty more to come.

“Yeah, I mean, he’s been scoring some goals as well,” the Brazilian said.

“We are really happy with him. We trust him. We know his qualities and he’s one of the top strikers in the world right now.

“So, yeah, as I said, we trust him and we are trying to give him the confidence to score and to do his best on the pitch to help us.

“He’s great. We trust him and as much as possible, we are going to give him the ball to score.”

Martinelli also says Martin Odegaard can help bring the best out of Gyokeres this season.

“It’s really good to play with Martin there because he’s always trying to find you when we make the movement,” he added.

“And for Victor as well, his qualities as well. He likes to go in behind and attack the opposite box. So, I think him playing with Martin as well is going to be good for him.

“And yeah, as I said, we are going to try to give him the ball as much as possible to make him score, I don’t know, 30 or 40 goals a season.”

Martinelli started and scored in Arsenal’s 2-0 Champions League win over Olympiacos on Wednesday, having found himself out of the starting 11 recently.

But the forward says he is enjoying the added competition for places this season.

“I feel good, you know,” he said. “It’s the same international team for me. I’m not going to complain to have Vini and Rodrygo and Raphinha playing with me.

“I’m really happy to have them there and happy to have the players that we have here as well.

“I want to play. I want to start every single game. And as I said, I’m going to help the team as much as possible.

“The manager is the one that takes the decision. We have to respect them. And when I have the opportunity, I always try to give my best.”

Despite coming off the bench of late, Martinelli has been in fine form having also scored late in the win over Athletic Club and the draw with Manchester City.

“It’s a dream for me,” he said on his latest goal against Olympiacos. “I always try to give my best to help the team and to live moments like that, fantastic.

“I’m really happy with the goals and the victories.”