Arsenal: Is Gabriel Paulista Or Rob Holding Third Choice Centre Back?

The Kostafi partnership has quickly blossomed into one of the best centre-back pairings in the league. But who, within the Arsenal squad, is third choice in the event that one of the aforementioned duo is unavailable?

It’s safe to say that the purchase of Shkodran Mustafi has done wonders for the Arsenal defence. While Gabriel and Mertesacker seemed to play pass the parcel with the spot alongside Koscielny last season, Mustafi has slotted in seamlessly next to the Frenchman and delivered some expert performances.

Our back line has not looked as strong as it does currently since the mighty Invincibles side. It’s not only the starting quality but the strength in depth that makes Arsenal’s rearguard so strong. With two high-class players in each position, we are well stocked for the challenges this season will present.

However, if one of the members of the Kostafi duo were to be unavailable, who would step in? With Per Mertesacker currently sidelined through injury, the two candidates are Gabriel Paulista and young Rob Holding.

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At first glance, many fans would immediately go for Gabriel. But to me, it seems less straightforward. Gabriel has been at the club 18 months longer and is 4 years Holding’s senior. The Brazilian has filled in many times at centre-back for Arsenal and is the option with more experience. While Gabriel is often lamented for rash challenges and unpardonable mistakes, the passion and fight that he brings to the side is undeniable.

Gabriel may not have performed as hoped last season but he did put in some excellent displays at times. The Brazilian has all the natural ingredients to be a great centre-half but can often be unconvincing and nervewracking. Whether it be positionally or in possession, Gabriel doesn’t give us the safety that Kostafi has been regularly providing.

This safety that is required somehow comes more naturally to the younger, more raw Holding. While obviously less experienced, the England U21 international is calmness personified with the ball at his feet. He reminds me of a less overrated John Stones and already looks a steal for the 2 million we paid for him.

If we look at the most recent evidence, the case is strong for young Rob. Against Reading, Holding looked the more accomplished of the two centre-halves. While one game does not decipher quality, it is an indicator of how far Holding has come in such a short space of time.

Holding does, however, lack the pace and tackling ability of Gabriel. With the game evolving into a pacier format, quick centre-halves are essential. Holding is not on Per’s level of turtle-speed but his lack of pace has caused him problems in his short Arsenal career already.

If one of our current starting centre halves were to drop injured today (God forbid), I think Wenger would go for Gabriel as his third choice option. While I am a firm believer in Holding’s qualities, this also makes more sense. Gabriel has much more experience in the Premier League and is more acclimatised to the side.

Holding may surpass him in future, but right now it looks like Gabriel may have the edge. Such internal competition is only healthy for a side and will leave the club in good stead for the years to come.

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This, though, is only my opinion and there are cases to be made for both players. Does Gabriel deserve the title of third choice centre-half? Or has Holding done enough already to surpass him? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.

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