Arsenal fan favourite Gabriel Martinelli has revealed who is the toughest defender he has faced in his career so far.
Martinelli joined Arsenal in 2019 and has developed into one of the most exciting attackers in the league when fit.
Since then, he has scored 51 goals and 29 assists in 224 games across all competitions for the Gunners.
He has come up against many top defenders in his six years in the Premier League so far, however, he has singled out his toughest opponent to date.
Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Gabriel Martinelli names Kyle Walker as the toughest defender he has faced
In a recent interview with ESPN, Martinelli was asked about the toughest defender he’s faced.
The left-winger quickly named Kyle Walker, the Manchester City right-back currently on loan at AC Milan.
Walker has been one of the Premier League’s most ‘unbelievable‘ defenders, and Martinelli didn’t hesitate to name him.
Kyle Walker’s rise from Tottenham to Manchester City’s defensive powerhouse
Walker’s career took off after Tottenham signed him in 2009, loaning him to Sheffield United, QPR, and Aston Villa before he eventually secured a permanent spot in Spurs’ starting lineup.
He firmly established himself as one of the Premier League’s top right-backs, and won the PFA Young Player of the Year in 2012.
In 2017, Tottenham sold Walker to Manchester City for £50 million, where he became one of the world’s best full-backs.
Club Games Goals Assists
Manchester City 319 6 23
Tottenham 229 4 18
Kyle Walker career stats for Tottenham and Man City
He became a key part of Pep Guardiola’s side, which has been so successful over the last few years, and played a massive role in their historic treble-winning season in 2023.
His consistent performance has earned him the label of being “one of the greatest signings” in Man City’s “modern history”.
He won four selections in the PFA Team of the Year, the most recent being in the 2023/24 season.