Arsenal icon Thierry Henry has named Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr as the best left winger in the world but not without some praise for Gabriel Martinelli.
When asked if Vinicius is the best left-sided wideman in the world at the minute, Henry told CBS Sports : Yes. At the moment, yes. You have guys that are doing okay at Arsenal in the Premier League. Martinelli is coming.
"But in the last two years, Vinicius Jr has been solid." It is high praise indeed for Martinelli considering Vinicius has scored 43 goals and provided 36 assists across all competitions over the last two seasons, as per Transfermarkt.
READ MORE: Arsenal urged to complete £100m 'statement' transfer in response to Gary Neville claim
This season, the Gunners attacker has gone up a level himself, netting 14 goals in the Premier League - a statistic that is even more impressive when you consider that none of those have been from the penalty spot. The 21-year-old will undoubtedly be chuffed to receive praise from Henry, who he has previously called the best player to ever grace the English top flight.
Speaking to Sky Sports last year, the Brazilian international said: "I have met him (Henry) before, he is a nice guy. On the pitch he was unbelievable, a legend for the club and for the Premier League. For me, he is the best of all time in the Premier League, he is just an unbelievable player."
When asked if he watches old clips of the Frenchman to try and improve his own game, Martinelli added: "Yeah, I think everyone does. He was an amazing player and everyone looks up to him."
READ NEXT:
Newcastle star Bruno Guimaraes sends message to two Arsenal players after Liverpool draw
Supercomputer predicts Premier League title race outcome as Man City hold advantage over Arsenal
Linesman involved in Andy Robertson clash during Liverpool vs Arsenal finally breaks his silence
Man City handed fresh title race boost as Premier League make Arsenal fixture schedule decision
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, views and rumours from the Emirates Stadium