Mikel Arteta has pinpointed what makes Gabriel Martinelli so different to other youngsters since becoming a coach in 2016.
The Brazilian wasn't one of Arteta's initial starters the Spaniard joined when he was carrying an injury but is in arguably undroppable form after deputising Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang during his suspesion.
Playing off the left wing, the 18-year-old contributed with two goals and one assist in the three games Arsenal were without their club captain. For the season as a whole, that brought Martinelli's tally up to 10 goals and three assists.
"For me the biggest thing is his hunger, his attitude and his willingness," he said.
"After that he is obviously a player that is a threat on goal. He can finish, he can run in behind and he is a fighter. But his biggest attribute is his personality.
"Every time he is on that pitch he doesn’t care about what type of game it is, he just wants to win and do his best every single day in training and in games."
Arriving from third division Brazilian side Ituano, Martinelli's rise since coming to England has been nothing short of impressive. Having had a trial at Manchester United a couple of years before joining Arsenal, his talent wasn't unnoticed but the Gunners are definitely reaping the rewards of luring him to north London.
Hitting the ground running early in his Arsenal career, he had already racked up seven goals before Arteta's appointment as head coach in December.
As a result, the Spaniard was very much aware of him ahead of his return to Emirates Stadium but has since got a new appreciation for Martinelli's quality.
"I was, but it is different when you know him in person and you find the right reasons why this player is doing what he is at this age." Arteta added.
Due to his impressive performances in Aubameyang's absence, Arteta has already had selection headaches since the Gabon international's return.
At Burnley he decided that the Brazilian had to start which meant Nicolas Pepe was dropped to the bench. Rather than keeping Martinelli on the left, however, he moved him to the right wing, put Aubameyang on the left and kept as Alexandre Lacazette the central striker.
Out on the right, Martinelli wasn't as effective as usual but Arteta believes he can perform well in any of the front three positions for Arsenal.
"He (Martinelli) can play any of the three positions up top depending on where you ask him to do and the type of movements and type of positions he needs to take but he can be comfortable," the head coach said regarding the Brazilian on January 20.
"Maybe in future he can develop as a No.9. more, probably yes, but at the moment any of the three."
