Kevin Campbell believes Marquinhos was Arsenal’s best player against FC Zurich, and he backs the player to provide competition for Bukayo Saka.

Arsenal summer signing Marquinhos began the season in the u21s, but Nicolas Pepe’s departure on loan gave the winger an opportunity to step up as a first-team alternative to Bukayo Saka.

Making his first start against FC Zurich on Thursday, Marquinhos provided a goal and an assist to help his new team win 2-1. Former Gunner Kevin Campbell was certainly impressed with the performance.

“He was Arsenal’s best player and the best player on the pitch if you ask me,” Campbell said.

“For someone so young, he is strong. He has speed and man strength which is good. I thought he was direct which I like.

“Marquinhos is a little bit different to Saka but he is still as devastating.

“He scored a great goal. He made up serious ground to get on the end of the cross. What a finish as well.

“He was rightly man of the match. What an impressive debut for a very good young player.”

More than his goal and assist, the Brazilian teenager created four chances, including two big chances, and he completed 86% of his passes.

Marquinhos scored from one of just two shots, and he made a couple of interceptions as he worked hard to get back and help the team.

Those are qualities we’ve seen already throughout Marquinhos’ youth appearances. Scoring three goals and assisting one in three u21 games, the winger was a consistent threat and showed a lot of maturity in his link-up play.

It’s unlikely we see Marquinhos in the Premier League side against Brentford at the weekend, but Arsenal fans will be looking forward to their next opportunity to see him in action.