Gabriel Martinelli’s move from Arsenal to Al Hilal has raised questions among supporters, but the Brazil forward’s versatility could turn an apparent positional problem into one of Simone Inzaghi’s biggest tactical strengths.
Martinelli is most naturally associated with the left wing, where Al Hilal already have Crysencio Summerville. That overlap immediately prompted debate among fans: why sign another player for the same position, and was a new left winger really a priority for the Saudi Pro League side?
A broader assessment of the signing, however, suggests Martinelli’s value extends well beyond the position in which he has produced some of his best performances for Arsenal.
The Brazilian can also operate on the right and be used in more central attacking roles, including as a false nine. That gives Inzaghi the freedom to adjust his position according to the demands of each match rather than treating him as a player tied to one fixed place on the pitch.
For the Italian manager, Martinelli is therefore not simply another name on the left side of a tactical formation. He is an attacking player capable of moving between positions, changing the shape of the team and occupying different areas of the field.
One of his clearest strengths is his ability to exploit space and switch rapidly from defence to attack. Martinelli combines pace with the capacity to carry the ball forward and attack the space behind an opponent’s defensive line. Those qualities could be particularly valuable to Al Hilal when they need to turn possession or a regain into a quick and dangerous attack.
His constant movement can also disrupt defensive structures. By pulling markers away from their positions, Martinelli can create room for team-mates instead of relying solely on individual dribbling from the flank.
Summerville’s presence does not necessarily mean Al Hilal will become overcrowded on the left. The Dutch winger also possesses enough flexibility to operate in more than one position, meaning the pair can offer Inzaghi a range of combinations rather than duplicate the same role.
The manager could use one player wide while moving the other to the opposite flank or into a deeper attacking area, depending on the opposition’s defensive approach and the particular demands of the game.
The significance of Martinelli and Summerville lies not only in their ability to create attacking danger. Both offer qualities that match the demands of modern football, in which wide players are expected to contribute across every phase of play.
Al Hilal are not simply looking for a winger who stays close to the touchline, waits for the ball and then attempts to beat a defender. They want players who can help build attacks, press opponents, support their defence and immediately accelerate forward after possession has been regained.
From that perspective, Martinelli’s arrival represents more than the signing of another left winger. It reflects an attempt by Al Hilal to build an attack based on pace, flexibility and the ability to break down opponents, while still demanding defensive discipline and a willingness to contribute without the ball.
The signing may initially have appeared to create a selection issue because Summerville occupies a similar position. Yet Martinelli’s positional range and his ability to remain effective in both attacking and defensive phases offer a different interpretation.
The main question is no longer why Al Hilal signed another left winger. Instead, it is how Inzaghi will use two players capable of operating in several positions while maintaining the same level of impact.
What began as a source of debate could ultimately become one of Al Hilal’s most important tactical advantages in the new season.
