5 Arsenal Players Primed for Breakout Years

2. Gabriel Paulista

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Gabriel was another guy that was given no preseason with the team. In fact, he was only given half a season. And yet, after some shaky instances, he learned incredibly quickly and became a reliable defender for the Gunners in no time flat.

His crucial tackle on Romelu Lukaku is the best evidence of what he can do, but even aside from that, the man is a master interceptor along the lines of Laurent Koscielny and his aggression is second to none.

Per Mertesacker is going to have to work his absolute tail off to keep Paulista from taking his position, and even at his best, I do not think that he can fend off the rising Brazilian. Arsene Wenger was absolutely brilliant in signing Gabriel as he is pegged to overtake David Luiz on the Brazilian national team in no time.

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