Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli has spoken in glowing terms of his international teammate Richarlison ahead of Brazil’s involvement in the World Cup.
Richarlison has been Brazil’s first-choice striker over the last 12 months and has proven to be a great foil for Neymar to play off. The Tottenham striker will be hoping to lead the line for Samba Boys at the World Cup after being handed the number nine shirt, with Brazil getting their campaign underway with a clash against Serbia on November 25.
There were some fears over the 25-year-old’s availability after he went down with a calf injury in Tottenham’s win against Everton last month. However, the former Everton man has made a full recovery and started for the Lilywhites in their win over Leeds United on Saturday, completing 69 minutes.
Martinelli, who has also been named by Tite in the 26-man squad, spoke about Richarlison’s importance to the Brazilian set-up and admitted that the Tottenham man is a very popular member in the dressing room.
The Arsenal forward told Sky Sports about Richarlison: “Everyone knows that he’s a very good player. I was in the Olympic Games with him. He was very important for us to win it. Yeah, he’s a very good player. Everyone knows that.
“And off the pitch, he’s a very good guy as well. So funny, always joking around. And everyone in the team loves him as well.”
Spurs Web Opinion
On paper, Brazil look the most formidable side in the tournament and it can be argued that this is the best team they have had since 2002. However, matches are not played on paper and anything can happen once it gets to the knockout stages.
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