Former Arsenal star, Kevin Campbell has praised Gabriel Magalhaes for his impact on the Gunners’ defence.
The Brazilian cost the club less than Ben White, who joined the Gunners in the last transfer window.
However, he seems to be the most important defender at the club right now.
Mikel Arteta struggled to find a partner for White when Gabriel was out injured. However, since his return to fitness, both players have combined to make the Arsenal defence watertight.
White is one of the best signings of the summer, but Campbell reckons it is Gabriel that makes the Englishman’s performance look good.
He praised him for his defensive qualities and his knack for scoring goals for the Gunners as well.
Campbell said to Football Insider: “Gabriel is the rock at the back.
“He got his goal last week as well. What more can you ask from your centre-back?
“We talked about getting him back after the first three games and what a difference he has made. He is a big player for Arsenal.
“I don’t think everybody realises just how important he is to that team. He makes everybody around him better. Ben White looks an accomplished player next to him.
“The back five looks very strong at the moment. Gabriel makes all of the players around him look better. It’s very promising.”
Gabriel is another player showing that Edu and Mikel Arteta have a good eye for a player.
The Brazilian was among the first young players the Gunners added to their squad and he looks set to play an important role in their rebuild.
The former Lille man will hope to remain fit for the rest of the season so he can continue to deliver consistently for the Gunners throughout this season.
I have to say I am at a loss to understand Campbell when he suggests Gabriel “makes the players around him look better”Tomi, White and Tierney were fine players before they met up with Gabriel so what is he getting at?Gabriel has improved his own game in a number of respects this season.Positionally he is far more aware than hitherto covering well when White and the full backs attack the ball.He is also engaging with opposition forwards before they have an opportunity to turn with the ball, whereas previously he was more content to back off and give attackers more space.He is still slow on the turn which is not surprising for a man of his stature but he is pretty quick once he has turned and he is fiercely competitive.To sum up, he is doing very well, as reflected by his call up to the Brazil squad,but imo he still has some way to go before he becomes the finished article.More calmness and composure will hopefully come as he gains experience and he is certainly an important cog in what is becoming a resilient back five.
Isn’t the real truth Grandad that most good players make their close(in position) teammates look good? When , as now , you have a number of decent to top quality defenders playing together, then it follows that the whole defence will play better!
As results and ample game evidence shows so well, I suggest!
I have always had rather more regard for Gabriels overall effectiveness than you previously did.
I agree that he is not the quickest when turning, but not as slow as you have, in the past , claimed.
AND HIS MANY OTHER QUALITIES AMPLY COMPENSATE , ESP WHEN LINED UP WITH OTHER TOP DEFENDERS , AS NOW.
Thank God there is no more Bellerin to have to suffer for all those years. Now HE was a truly awful defender.