Former Arsenal players Kevin Campbell and Martin Keown were full of praise for Brazilian youngster Marquinhos after his goal and assist on debut. The 19-year-old made an instant impact against FC Zurich on his first competitive appearance, pictured crying after his finish, showing exactly what it meant to him.
The Brazilian joined Arsenal this summer from Sao Paolo in a deal worth roughly £3million, continuing a trend of the Gunners eyeing young talent to add to their squad. On the signing, Edu told the official website: "We're delighted to have completed the transfer with Sao Paulo, as Marquinhos was a player we have been watching for a while. At 19, his is still very young, so he is a player for the future.
"We look forward to Marquinhos now joining us for pre-season, making his new home, and continuing to grow and develop with us." While many may not have expected him to be involved as early as he has done, it shows just how much potential is there for the youngster.
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It only took 16 minutes in the Europa League for the winger to make his mark, finishing from Eddie Nketiah's cross into the box with a delicate finish. Scorer then turned provider as he returned the favour for his teammate to make sure the Gunners took all three points in a 2-1 victory over FC Zurich.
Both Campbell and Keown were full of praise for Marquinhos after, with the former telling BT Sport: "I like to see that from a young player. Turns up from Brazil, gets an opportunity and takes it."
Keown then added: "Look where he [Marquinhos] is running from. The desire to get in there, both of them stretching the play. Watch Marquinhos now, he emerges and has a look and assesses to make the move into the area, and then he just feathers the finish. I like the way he takes the weight off it and that is his weaker foot and he put it away beautifully."
There may have to be some patience with Marquinhos still, given the fact he is still just a youngster making his first start. However, other young talent at the club have proven there is a pathway there if he can reach the levels expected of him for the future.
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