Gabriel Magalhaes is currently, on form, the best central defender in the league. In 2023 he has shown himself to be a consistent performer, a dominating presence at the back and has significantly developed the weaker aspects of his game, such as his distribution, to a very good level.
It’s not been absolutely perfect and his mistakes in the home game against Manchester City certainly highlighted this. However, Arsenal have the Brazilian to thank for many high-profile top performances this season as the defender who looked as though he could become the new club scapegoat has now roundly quelled those fears.
Back in October, I wrote a piece which attempted to stop the growing criticism of Gabriel, pointing out how the Brazilian had responded to his errors and how he was outperforming other top-level centre-halves at the same time. It’s fair to say that he has only improved since then and, certainly since the World Cup, performed slightly better than the frequently lauded William Saliba.
READ MORE: Leandro Trossard shows Arsenal misconception of Eddie Nketiah after Gabriel Martinelli success
He was already outperforming the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Ruben Dias, Cristian Romero and Kalidou Koulibaly in certain metrics. Now, the Brazilian is arguably the league’s best in his position on form and certainly a huge part of the success in 2023 which has seen Arsenal maintain their five-point lead over Manchester City after the 11 games since the World Cup interrupted the season.
Arsenal brought in the Polish international Jakub Kiwior into the squad in January from Spezia, a left-footed centre-half with great distribution. It was this aspect of Gabriel’s game that was arguably the most scrutinized. However, Mikel Arteta has not needed to consider a swap, not only due to his excellent defending record but because his progressive passing has also been consistent and effective.
It was his pass into Leandro Trossard against Leicester that led to Gabriel Martinelli scoring the winning goal of the game. In the 27th minute against Everton, he forced a through ball to the Belgian again to create a potential chance in wide areas and has showcased this left-sided progression well in the past few games and beyond.
Should Arsenal go on to the late stages of the season as genuine title challengers, which certainly based on the season so far they are capable of it, then Gabriel is going to be a huge factor in that. Thinking back just to the previous manager, Unai Emery, and the back four he travelled to Anfield with in December 2018 it included Stephan Lichtsteiner, Shkodran Mustafi, Sokratis Papastathopoulos and Sead Kolasinac.
Gabriel was the first member of the current back four and goalkeeper that Mikel Arteta integrated into the squad. Although Saliba was bought the year prior, it was the Brazilian he first bought in the summer of 2020 before later adding the Frenchman plus Ben White, Aaron Ramsdale and now Oleksandr Zinchenko.
He was the first signing Arteta made that he’s trusted to fulfil his side throughout his tenure. Cedric Soares, Pablo Mari and Willian who came before him aren’t with the club any more, with the Brazilian leaving on a free in 2021. Meanwhile, Mari and Cedric have left on loan with views to permanent summer exits.
Gabriel was the true start of the process that has found its way to a club challenging for a title less than three years on. It is a testament to his quality, consistency and improvement.
READ NEXT:
What Odegaard did to make Zinchenko applaud as Arteta reveals key to Martinelli form
Martinelli masterclass as Man City handed title blow – Arsenal winners and losers vs Everton
Martin Odegaard drops hint on Gabriel Jesus injury return during Arsenal's victory over Everton
Arsenal next five Premier League fixtures compared to Man City and Man Utd after Everton victory
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium
