Arsenal's 2-1 win over FC Zurich got their Europa League campaign off to the perfect start, but it was the performance of a debutant that ending up stealing the show.
Marquinhos, a 19-year-old summer arrival from Sao Paulo grabbed a goal and an assist on Thursday night (8 September) to underline just what a talented winger he is.
A compilation video of his performance was soon making the rounds on Twitter, and it's fair to say Arsenal fans were impressed by what they saw from the tricky Brazilian.
Marquinhos vs Zurich(A) Full Debut pic.twitter.com/H4qGgaidIS
— CK (@CKftbl) September 8, 2022
In the Twitter video, uploaded by @CKftbl, Marquinhos showcases his repertoire of skills, including crossing, passing, and naturally, his controlled finish for Arsenal's opening goal in Zurich.
The strike came from an Eddie Nketiah cross, the winger did very well to side-foot into the opposition net.
For some Arsenal fans, it was Marquinhos' intelligence and ability to choose the right option in the moment which stood out most of all.
This guy is actually a gem top winger performance.
— Temidayo Samuel (@SamgreenAfc) September 8, 2022
At this age he has a better decision making that Saka at 19
Stop comparing people. He is impressive. 3 m for him vs 100m for Antony? The don’t have much difference in quality
— Ermias (@ermiasTek) September 9, 2022
One user replied: "This guy is actually a gem top winger performance. At this age he had a better decision making than Saka at 19."
Another also likened the new-boy to Bukayo Saka at the same age, adding: "His playstyle is actually quite like Saka."
His decision making is mature beyond his years and his playstyle is actually quite similar to Saka’s.
— 🇵🇸 (@abzzinhoo) September 8, 2022
While Marquinhos was certainly highly-rated prior to joining the Gunners, he is still very new to senior football, having only played 33 times for Sao Paulo in all competitions.
Indeed, his strike on Thursday was just his third senior goal, although it looks set to be the first of many in an Arsenal shirt.
The story could have been very different for Marquinhos, who reportedly had a pre-contract agreement with Wolverhampton Wanderers before Mikel Arteta's side came in for him.
Despite the Midlands club threatening legal action, the player would instead move to the Emirates this summer - and he could hardly have gotten off to a better start.
What happens next remains to be seen, as although the Brazilian youth international is clearly very talented, the likes of Bukayo Saka and countryman Gabriel Martinelli are likely to remain above him in the pecking order.
The duo most recently featured in Arsenal's disappointing 3-1 defeat to Manchester United, a result which derailed the North London side's perfect start to the Premier League season.
Were you impressed with Marquinhos debut performance? Let us know what you think.
Featured Image Credit: Twitter/CKftbl
Topics: Arsenal, Brazil, Premier League, Europa League, Football
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