Gabriel Magalhaes has been hailed as ‘probably the greatest centre-backs on the planet’ after his heroics in Arsenal’s Champions League victory over Atletico Madrid.
The Brazilian defender scored his side’s opener and made the assist for the fourth goal as Arsenal brushed aside Atletico on the Emirates Stadium.
Gabriel has turn out to be an unlikely source of goals for an Arsenal side which have almost perfected set-piece routines, scoring seven times for the reason that start of last season.
While his threat in the ultimate third is a welcome bonus, Gabriel’s fundamental job is to maintain goals out at the opposite end and he can also be doing that with aplomb in an Arsenal team which have not conceded of their last 4 games.
Mikel Arteta’s side have in truth conceded just three goals in 12 games to this point this season and Gabriel is integral to that defensive solidity.
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Arsenal only spent £27m to sign Gabriel from Lille in 2020 but he’s now ‘probably the greatest centre-backs on the planet’, in line with ex-Premier League midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker.
‘For me, Arsenal have taken it to a different level this season,’ the previous West Ham and Aston Villa star said on CBS Sports after the Gunners thrashed Atletico Madrid 4-0 within the Champions League.
‘They give the impression of being really hard to beat, they’re well organised, there’s real strength in depth now so there’s no excuses anymore, they’ve every thing they need.
‘They’ve the weapons to win top trophies, it’s of their hands. They’ve even taken the defence to a brand new level and so they’re just so hard to beat.
‘We want to have a conversation about Gabriel and ask if he’s now probably the greatest centre-backs on the planet? I feel so.
‘Take a look at the role he plays in the ultimate third. What I really like about him is he’s got a lot desire to get to the ball, whether that be on the back or when he goes up.
‘The 2 centre-backs pride themselves on keeping clean sheets and are willing to defend all day long. Arsenal might need the very best defence in European football as of immediately.’
Gabriel has made 222 appearances for Arsenal, many alongside centre-back partner William Saliba, who has also received many plaudits over the past two years.
Speaking after Arsenal’s emphatic victory over Atletico Madrid, Arteta said: ‘I’m extremely blissful and pleased with the performance and the outcomes against a extremely good side.
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‘I used to be very impressed after I analysed them and what I’ve seen today about them as well. So, I knew in regards to the difficulty of it.
‘It required numerous aggression and numerous patience as well, and the best way they managed the context of the sport and the best way they will manipulate their behaviour was really impressive.
‘With it being 0-0 at half-time, regardless that we generated two or three big probabilities, we had to remain patient, but at the identical time, increase just a little bit, set some areas to break them more.
‘We’ve done it, after which on this Champions League, I feel we were very effective as well.’
On Gyokeres, who ended a run of nine games with out a goal with a brace against Atletico, Arteta added: ‘I’m delighted as he fully deserved it.
‘The work-rate he brings to the team is outstanding. We value numerous things that he does for the team and it was the most important smile on his face today and take a look at his team-mates.
‘Hopefully that is the beginning of some beautiful sequences for him.’
Arsenal, currently three points clear at the highest of the Premier League, return to domestic motion this weekend against London rivals Crystal Palace.
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