Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli earned comparisons to Brazil icon Neymar as he went extraordinarily close to scoring his first international goal with a spectacular effort. The Gunners starlet was handed a cameo for the five-time world champions on Wednesday morning as he was introduced as a second-half substitute for Philippe Coutinho against Bolivia.
With Brazil already 3-0 up following goals from Lucas Paqueta, Everton man Richarlison and ex-Gunners target Bruno Guimaraes, Martinelli was obviously keen to also get his name on the scoresheet having only made his debut for the national team earlier in the break. He went as close as he possibly could with a stunning effort.
Taking the ball down following a long pass from Barcelona’s Dani Alves, the winger easily breezed past his marker before then producing a breathtaking spin to get past another defender. Faced up with the goalkeeper, Martinelli then attempted an audacious chip but saw the ball drop agonisingly wide of the net.
