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Football London
Football London
Sport
Laurie Martin

Gabriel Martinelli reveals the Unai Emery favourite who is a big 'miss' in Arsenal changing room

Sitting top of the league after eight matches, the atmosphere inside the Arsenal dressing room must be one of buoyancy and optimism at the moment. The Gunners players have shown a great understanding on the pitch in the opening games of the new Premier League season - and that seems to stem from their off-pitch relationships.

There is a real mix in the Arsenal dressing room of experienced pros and younger players. Granit Xhaka has been highly praised by his team-mates this season for the leadership he has shown, as was highlighted when he led a half-time team talk against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.

However, despite seemingly having the right mix of young players and seasoned leaders, Gabriel Martinelli believes Arsenal are missing a character who was a favourite of Unai Emery's. David Luiz's time at the Emirates Stadium wasn't all plain-sailing, but Martinelli says the defender was always giving him tips and advice in training.

READ MORE: Antonio Conte explains why Arsenal and Edu were right to snub Djed Spence after training concern

While he received criticism from pundits and supporters for his performances, Luiz was a valued member of the dressing room. The Brazilian made 73 appearances in his two-year spell at the Gunners.

"He is a sensational man, a man who deserves everything he achieved and a person everybody here misses," Martinelli told The Times.

"He was quite important to me when I arrived, giving me advice on my moves. At that moment, I was playing more of a striker role, so I was always close to him in training sessions and he would give me guidance."

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