Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli activated full Ronaldinho mode as Brazil thump Bolivia

Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli forced one defender into an early retirement as his national side pummelled Bolivia 4-0.

The Brazilian has been making quite the name for himself on English soil this season having turned in some excellent performances for the Gunners.

Pace, flair and sheer excitement seem to be the name of the game when it comes to this boy and it’s no wonder he’s caught the eye of Brazilian manager Tite.

Having impressed on his debut against Chile last Thursday, Martinelli got a second chance to show what he could do as he was subbed on for Phillipe Coutinho in the 53rd minute. He did not disappoint…

Dani Alves picked up the ball in the 74th minute and pinged a delightful 35-yard pass to the 20-year-old. Martinelli smartly controlled the ball with his knee and then flicked it into the space in front of him before running onto it.

Jairo Quinteros of Inter Miami charged out to intercept him but over committed – and oh did he regret it – as Martinelli just rolled by him with an ingenious 360-degree spin before dinking the ball over the flailing keeper and beyond the far post.

You can bank on Ronaldinho being the lad’s hero because that was the great man reincarnated. If only he had converted that cheeky chip into the far corner, it would have been some way to open his account with the national team.

Gabriel Martinelli with some lovely skill last night and was SO CLOSE to scoring his first goal for Brazil…This lad has a bright future!