3 standout Arsenal players from the 2021/2022 season

The 2021/2022 campaign has finally come to an end. It has felt like an incredibly long season and one not without its twists and turns.

From a dismal start that crushed any optimism to a brilliant few months after the new year, fans and players alike experienced the full drama of England’s top flight.

The disappointment of missing out on Champions League football remains and such a close margin inevitably leads to what-ifs. What if Arsenal had been able to win against Everton earlier in the season? What if Thomas Partey had stayed fit for the crucial run-in? What if Arsenal had signed even one player on loan in January that ended up contributing?

As difficult as it may be, reviewing the season also reveals some positive trends. The renewed connection with fans, the blossoming of young players and some brilliant performances against top sides are a few of the good things to come out of this season.

3 standout Arsenal players from the 2021/22 season

The rebuild will continue this summer. While some players have disappointed, some rightly deserve plaudits for their contributions. Here are three standout Arsenal players from the 2021/2022 season.

3. Gabriel

Gabriel’s transfer two summers ago excited fans. His left-footedness brought a balance to a shaky defence and his physicality was a far cry from the soft underbelly Arsenal had been accused of. Unfortunately for him, he was paired with a rotating cast of sub-par players. David Luiz and Rob Holding (who has improved greatly to his credit) were erratic on and off the ball.

This season, new partner Ben White has signalled a dramatic increase in quality as well as availability. During that early-season stretch when the back five, including Aaron Ramsdale, was fit and firing, the defence was absolutely colossal. The videos of Gabriel and co. celebrating blocks and tackles as if they were goals epitomized the energy around the players. The mentality of being willing to die before conceding a goal was there.

Gabriel being in England the season before allowed easy comparison of his growth and development. Crucially, he has become sharper in possession. His passes are quick and incisive, while his aerial ability has improved considerably, too –  both offensively and defensively. Arsenal’s defensive set-piece record and Gabriel’s impressive scoring record, he scored more than Alexandre Lacazette, both speak for themself.

To top it all off, the centre back is still young. Only 24 years old, Gabriel has years to develop before he reaches his peak. He will only continue to improve and a defensive unit not disrupted by Nuno Tavares and Cedric Soares will provide much-needed stability and ability to one of the best young defenders in the league.

Continued on the next slide…