Quote Originally Posted by Niall_Quinn View Post
TBH I've given up trying to second guess Arteta, though I'm not sure I ever started because I was kind of getting out of football around the time he came in. I wanted him in before Dick wasted everyones time. But wasn't much bothered after that. What I'm mainly focused on is the difference between Arsenal last yer and this year. And it has dawned on me - fuck, I wouldn't have had the first clue where to begin to get last year's absolute shit-kickers to where they are now. I suppose Arteta could have been lucky, or the players stepped up after decades of not being arsed. But it's more likely Arteta has been getting a lot right, even if he hasn't nailed everything yet.

Let's just say I'd rather he was in charge than me. He's delivered something I couldn't hope to so I defer to his results. And results are the only thing that matter to me, not speculation, or excuses, or whatever.

That preface is to explain why I see more in Martinelli than Saka. There was a moment in that chav match where Martinelli picked up the ball, controlled it without thought (while simultaneously assessing his options) and then dipped a shoulder and set off towards the opposition goal. Really reminded me of a young Giggs. I hate Giggs but he was a hell of a player. Martinelli has that same ambition now backed with the talent to deliver - the one thing he couldn't do to save his life last season. I don't see the same believe in Saka, yet. He seems more conservative on the ball which often robs him of the opportunity to express his talent.

I found myself urging, "Come on, give it a go!", when watching Saka, while it was, "Unlucky lad, good effort!" when watching Martinelli. What I mean is Saka often doesn't get into the places where Martinelli goes so a like for like comparison can be made.

It's a purely observational thing and related to enjoyment of watching the two players, rather than a coaches analysis which is becoming increasingly clear I'm not qualified to make. I have my opinions for sure, like any fan should. But beyond that I actually find myself enjoying watching Saka and Martinelli play and (I didn't believe it could happen) intrigued as to whether Arteta can take this further. I hope the fans don't jump on the latter too hard if we have a few dips along the way. This really is the first progress I've seen in almost 2 decades.

So I think we are talking different things. And, like I said, I've watched around 20% of the games, if that. Based on what I have seen Martinelli is the player who might become the next thing. He has the attributes. Of course we'll sell him on the cheap but that's another issue.
Yeah, another post of yours I can't argue much with.

If i was rating players mentally, Martinelli is easily the winner among all our young players. I've felt like that for ages, he sometimes reminds me of Bendtner who I mentioned earlier but without the arrogance, thank God, and the will to graft. But on pure talent, I must say I've seen little things Saka does that astound me. Its very probable that he might not reach his best, but I am pretty certain that only a career threatening injury could stop Martinelli from trying and trying to improve.

But just like people argue about Messi and Ronaldo, having that talent is a plus for any player and makes things easier. Wilshere still remains the best young talent I think we've ever had but look how it went when he couldn't get over the injuries and focus on his game anymore. He just stopped improving and kept relying the same God given talent...if anyone could follow that path, it'll be more likely Saka than Martinelli.

Another thing is when I watch Martinelli get the ball, its like he has something to prove every single time, its kind of admirable trait for young lad nowadays, but it also cuts both ways....at a point, you just need to trust your talent, its a bit difficult to explain, but it like you either got it or not.

And I know I am going back and forward, but I just remembered a game we played with Barca in the CL, as usual they were beating us and our whole team was panicking and playing crap, but Jack came in and played the most natural game I have ever seen an Arsenal player play against Barca. No crazy flicks, no crazy tricks, just plain old Jack playing Barca like he was having a kickabout with Leyton Orient....he just let his class show and even the Barca players were shocked to see someone not overawed by the occasion and playing so brilliantly in what was one of our pathetic teams.

Man their is just something about talent.