Gabriel: The beating heart of the Arsenal defense

When Arsenal signed Brazilian centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes from Lille for £27m much was made of his arrival. His impact was instant, netting on his debut against Fulham, and he showed everything that had been missing at the heart of the Gunners’ defense.

The 23-year-old had a solid debut season in north London as he was Arsenal’s Player of the Month three consecutive times in September, October and November. The Brazilian put forth a superb defensive display against Manchester United in a 1-0 win at Old Trafford and then had impressive games to cement his place as one of the club’s best defenders.

When in the team his presence was telling. Marshaling his area, he dealt with most threats coming his way, whether on the ground or aerially. Having suffered with long COVID-19 at the end of December last year, Arsenal missed this physicality badly, despite winning matches.

Having then made his return against Wolves in a 2-1 loss, it was clear he wasn’t quite fit and he found himself constantly in and out of the team for several weeks. However, in May, he started in a 2-0 win over Newcastle and then kept his place for the remaining five games to end the campaign – worth noting is that Arsenal won all five games and conceded just two goals in that 450-minute spell.

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Two superb Arsenal performances for Gabriel Magalhaes after returning from injury add the physical and commanding presence Mikel Arteta needs in his team

So, it is clear to see his worth to the team and after picking up a knee injury while away with the Brazilian Olympic team as he was preparing for Tokyo, Gabriel missed the first three games of the league season. Arsenal lost all three, conceded nine goals, and scored zero before returning to the side against Norwich.

Since his return, Arsenal has won back-to-back games and has kept two clean sheets. A coincidence? One would hardly think so, although the calibre of the teams played is a valid caveat, but it is clear that his inclusion gives the side more solidity, aggression and presence defensively.

The strength of his performances in these two outings deserves even greater credit considering both the length of time he’s been out and with Ben White already being the fourth centre-back partner he’s played alongside in north London. Teething issues were expected.

With the ball at his feet he’s been supremely composed with a 88% passing accuracy, while he’s made five tackles with a success rate of 100%, and only committed two fouls in 196 minutes of football.

All of his better abilities were put on full display against Burnley as his physicality and ability to find a teammate with several forward passes were a feature. He and White had to deal with a host of crosses (40) and long balls as Burnley pinned the Gunners back for the majority of the second half, but the defense, with Gabriel at the heart of it, stood tall.

Arsenal missed him dearly when he was out and now that he is back, the difference is telling: an imposing no-nonsense figurehead with the athleticism and proactive movements needed in modern Premier League centre-backs. Gabriel balances all the traits neatly.

Maybe, just maybe, the Gunners have someone likened to the old guard that graced the Highbury turf. While he is nowhere near that level yet, if he keeps producing and commanding the defense as he has, there is scope for a defender who can leave his mark on the Emirates era.

Never signed to be an immediate hit and instead someone for the next 6-7 years, he looks matured, hungry and formidable.

Long may it continue.