Arsenal trusting Gabriel at centre-back the next step

One of the more constructive debates between supporters this season has been whether Arsenal should be fielding Gabriel or Pablo Mari at left centre-back. It’s a healthy discussion since the onus is on both being strong defenders, not either lacking heavily in certain departments.

At the start of the season the decision was easy for Mikel Arteta with Mari out injured as Arsenal played Fulham with only two central defenders to choose from. Gabriel started and scored on his debut.

He would go on to start 11 of the following 12 Premier League games, only losing his place in the side following a needless double booking at home to Southampton. It’s no secret that Arsenal were utterly hopeless during that spell, presenting Gabriel with the least ideal beginning to life at the club.

That red card was followed by the Brazilian suffering from ‘long-Covid’ and he didn’t feature for seven league encounters until, ironically, a red card for David Luiz against Wolves forced his substitution. Arteta then went through a spell of changing his centre-back partnership week upon week. It became less about the individuals and more focused on the duo in question, prompting Mari and Holding to get the nod.

Arsenal trusting Gabriel at centre-back the next step as Mikel Arteta needs to keep Brazilian in the Premier League team

In one week and out the other, Gabriel has now started the last four Premier League matches on the bounce, keeping two clean sheets in the process and playing his part in a 12-point haul. Brighton visit the Emirates on Sunday and there should be no debate over who takes their spot on the left side.

This season had been a peculiar one for Gabriel. Displaying outstanding one-on-one ability and exceptional strength in the air, his accuracy of heading has been a valuable tool in both boxes. Arsenal’s vastly improved defending from set pieces has coincided with his arrival.

Equally, he’s shown where the improvement is needed. Sometimes he has games where his delivery out from the back is haphazard and unmeasured, notably away at Chelsea most recently. These can be framed as deficiencies but they should be seen as development opportunities. Polishing those attributes will come with minutes. Simple as.

Every player moving club and country in the past year must be analysed within the framework of the global climate. Doing so is never easy for anybody in regards to language and culture, but to do so amid an ongoing pandemic where physical contact with relatives hasn’t been possible and loneliness can sink in has to be factored in.

As for the footballing side of it, Arsenal forked out a hefty £27m to bring the now 23-year-old to north London, an investment for the future but one that needs utilising to its fullest. It appears Arteta is now turning a corner with his selections.

Mari has been superb when called upon but he arrived as the backup option. Gabriel is the future of the position for Arsenal and nurturing his talent – trusting it – is the next step for this team. Mistakes have occurred and more likely will, yet it’s time to show some faith in him and let him respond to errors with a big performance next week, not a spot on the bench.

Securing him the right partner is also on the to-do list since Holding is very limited, with William Saliba hopefully being that man. For now, however, it’s about keeping Gabriel in the team and cementing him in that role. He’s the quickest, strongest, youngest (and most expensive) of those in the squad this season. Next season Arsenal can make use of that.