Gary Lineker has backed Jurgen Klopp 's previous admission about Gabriel Martinelli after Liverpool 's 2-0 win over Arsenal on Wednesday night.
Despite a tough first half, Liverpool punished Arsenal with two quick-fire goals from Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino to move within one point of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League. In doing so, Arsenal's top-four hopes have been dented by Klopp's side.
A top-four place is still in the hands of Mikel Arteta's side but the pressure is on, although they only have themselves to blame after a poor second-half performance against the Reds. One shining light was Martinelli though, and Lineker has agreed with Klopp's views on the Brazilian.
During Arsenal's defeat to Liverpool, Lineker tweeted: "Martinelli will be a world class player." Arsenal may have failed to carve an opening against Liverpool, but Martinelli dazzled and stole the show from Klopp's own South American star, Luis Diaz.
Martinelli's quick feet were too much for Liverpool at times, but Klopp knows all too well just how talented he is after previously commenting on the Brazilian. The first time that Klopp faced Martinelli in a match was back in October 2019, and he described him as the "talent of the century".
Klopp then went on to add a few days later, that the winger is "really unbelievable," and the Liverpool boss then applauded Edu for finding him in Brazil. But he wasn't done there, as Klopp again spoke out about Martinelli in Liverpool's recent 2-0 victory against Arsenal in the Carabao Cup semi-final.
The Liverpool boss said that Martinelli was an "outstanding player," and that "everybody should remember that name" for years to come. Liverpool have just signed Diaz, and Arsenal would not be willing to let their star go to a Premier League rival but this isn't the first time that Klopp has praised opposition players.
West Ham's Jarrod Bowen has been hailed by Klopp on multiple occasions, and his high regards have been backed up by the midfielder who is having a fantastic season. Klopp has previously said: "Bowen. What a player he became, unbelievable. He was at Hull as well but I don't think anybody expected this kind of jump. Unbelievable player."
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Klopp also admires Bowen's journey, as he added: "I like Bowen a lot. He made his way up from Hull and took not too long to show exactly what kind of player he can be in the Premier League. He made big steps."
Bowen was linked with a move to Liverpool in the summer, but the midfielder has since become one of West Ham's most important players. Therefore, despite Klopp's admiration, Liverpool have probably missed their opportunity to sign Bowen.
It's a good period for young English talent as well and for all of the praise that Martinelli is receiving, Bukayo Saka on the opposite wing has become a vital part of Arteta's side. Saka is also the first player to make 100 appearances under Arteta and he is only 20-years-old.
