That nonchalance is too much… he's playing with ridiculous confidence': Rio Ferdinand heaps praise on Arsenal starlet Gabriel Martinelli as Martin Keown claims Mikel Arteta could help him emulate Raheem Sterling

Gabriel Martinelli's stand-out performance for Arsenal has earned rave review from both Martin Keown and Rio Ferdinand, who have tipped the youngster to develop at the same frightening rate as Raheem Sterling.

Ferdinand was left with his mouth agape as the Brazilian teenager played a seemingly effortless aerial through-ball over the top of the Bournemouth defence, using the outside of his boot to artfully carve across the ball.





Martinelli was a constant threat to the Cherries' back-line, linking beautifully with Bukayo Saka throughout the tie as Arsenal booked their place in the fifth round of the competition, where they will again travel to the south coast to this time face Portsmouth.




Gabriel Martinelli capped off a stellar performance with an audacious pass over the defence


The teenager nonchalantly sliced his foot across the ball to find the run of Bukayo Saka


Martinelli was a handful all night for Bournemouth as Arsenal took at 2-1 FA Cup victory


Martin Keown and Rio Ferdinand could not heap enough praise on the Brazilian starlet



After analysing the footage of Martinelli's contributions, Ferdinand couldn't help but be drawn to the moment the 18-year-old showed sheer confidence to execute the difficult lofted pass.


'That nonchalance is too much,' Ferdinand began with a laugh during his post-match punditry duties with BT Sport. 'He’s playing with ridiculous confidence at the moment.

'That comes from the manager, it comes from opportunity and from taking it. He’s quicker than I actually first thought when I first saw him.




Martinelli combined his artistic approach with hard work and determination at the Vitality


Keown commended the player's all round game, from movement to link-up with team-mates


Keown feels Mikel Arteta will help Martinelli development in the same way as Raheem Sterling



'His decision making – that’s the thing that sets him apart, he very rarely gives the ball away and he’s somebody who wants to bring other people into it but you can see the end product is about getting a goal and getting a shot off.'

Arsenal legend Keown was equally as enthused, evidently excited to see his former club having unearthed a gem of a footballer.

Keown went on to praise Martinelli's all round play, from his vision to movement and link-up.

‘I just feel that this player is so mature for someone so young,' Keown added to the discussion.

'He’s 18 years of age and we mustn’t forget that. If you look at his vision. Everything he’s linking really well, taking on board this new message of give-and-go. He’s always on the move, he’s a nightmare to pick up and Bournemouth just couldn’t get near him.'

Keown then delved further into the effect new manager Mikel Arteta is having on the team since his arrival from Manchester City, where he served as deputy to Pep Guardiola.




Despite being just 18, Martinelli is on the brink of nailing down a regular Arsenal first team spot



Keown believes Arteta will flourish working with the younger stars, and likened Martinelli's ongoing development to that of Sterling at the Etihad.

'The last player Arteta will have worked with in that position would have been Sterling and you saw the improvement of Sterling, so it’s going to be a joy to watch this fella improve because of his starting position,' Keown added.

'This is where he is now rather than the bottom rung, 18-years of age.'