Arsenal: 3 Players Who Are on the Christmas Nice List

Arsenal have had little to cheer about in 2020.

On that list is, of course, an FA Cup triumph, one that was followed by another ‘title’ in the Community Shield. Aside from those incredible highs and the occasional impressive win or two, it’s not been the best year to be an Arsenal supporter.

Changes from top to bottom – albeit not enough at the bottom – have coincided with countless unwanted records being broken (made?), all culminating in a year we’ll be glad to see the back of.

There are a whole host of factors behind why the club have failed to miserably this year, none of which we’ll get into. Why so? Because it’s Christmas. That’s why.

Instead of centering around the negatives, it’s best to herald the better points of an otherwise forgettable year, with a particular focus on the players who’ve earned themselves a spot on Santa’s ‘Nice List’.

Everyone has their own respective favourite players, but who are worthy of praise after the campaign we’ve had? There are a few, although we’ll list three in particular who’ve done enough to bring smiles to our faces and provide us with some warmth as we enter the cold, dark months ahead.

Gabriel Magalhaes

It’s not easy coming straight into a new team, learning a new language, adapting to a new culture, becoming part of a mostly appalling squad and still being able to hold your head up high.

Since joining from Lille in the summer, that’s exactly what Gabriel Magalhaes has done.

The Brazilian immediately cemented his place as the best central defender at the club, an accolade that while isn’t hard to scoop, is actually increasingly more impressive given the circumstances.

Aggressive on the ball, dangerous in the air – he’s scored 17% of the Gunners’ Premier League goals this season – and positionally aware, the 23-year-old is in place to be front and centre of whatever Arsenal may or may not look like in the years to come.

Moreover, he does everything with a beaming smile etched across his face.

And those teeth! White as the Christmas snow, his infectious grin is enough to set him apart from the rest, even before he takes to the pitch. We love him already.