After the heroics of yesterday, I wanted to remember my favourite Arsenal player of all time- Gilberto Aparecido da Silva.
What one would want in a defensive midfielder, but especially in this day and age when midfields rely on a double pivot. Luckily for him, he had some nice midfield partners in his time- Patrick Viera and Cesc Fabregas are two of the best central midfielders this club has had.
Gilberto brought physicality and good ball economics on the ball, in terms of retention. He also had what Paulinho was supposed to have brought to Spurs- an ability to pop up with goals from the engine room. He was also a subtle leader in the team, and one who guided lots of young players in the early Emirates period. Scored our first goal at the Emirates to boot.
For me, he would be a player I would absolutely love to have cloned and put him in our team now. He would bring the best out of so many of our midfielders, particularly Arteta and Wilshere. As well as a worldy centre forward, Gilberto would be the final pieces in the jigsaw puzzle.
Of course, he is now 37, so perhaps he is not the answer. But we should endeavour to find such a similar player in the summer.
Gilberto Silva
posted on 17/3/14
Every team needs a Gilberto Silva to be successful.
posted on 17/3/14
Matuidi
posted on 17/3/14
He was a fantastic player for us. At one point it seemed we only lost when he wasn't in the team.
He looked like he was always about to cry though
posted on 17/3/14
Bravo.
He was a one-off, not too many player's in the Gilberto mould these days. He also had a head like a lizard. The nickname of 'the invisible wall' was as apt as it was brilliant!
I actually recently wrote a Rock song about Gilberto Silva and his professional career and at the risk of blowing my own massive trumpet, I don't mind admitting that it's an absolute gem! A belter of a composition!
posted on 17/3/14
I remember in 06/07 when Henry spent majority of the season injured and Gilberto was Captain. I'm sure he sxored more that season then he did in the rest of his Arsenal career combined
posted on 17/3/14
A lot of those were penalties tbf, Frimboue.
Its why i was so gutted we pulled out of the deal for Luis Gustavo. We need a naturally powerful midfielder who is good on the ball.
posted on 17/3/14
Its why i was so gutted we pulled out of the deal for Luis Gustavo. We need a naturally powerful midfielder who is good on the ball.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Interesting (& absolutely bonkers) story behind that deal!
Bayern & Wolfsburg both have business ties with a small handful of big companies on the Continent (Audi, Mercedes, pharmacuticals etc).
Gustavo was only going one way when Bayern agreed to sell him, Wolfsburg. It was a a deal negotiated behind the scenes involving a lot of these mutual 'business'-partners. Hence the reason why Gustavo was/is on an absolutely outrageous wage at Wolfsburg (believed to be around £110k pw)!
posted on 17/3/14
Gilberto has a clone, his name is Fernando Reges.
Remarkable to think that Gilberto almost didn't make it. 22 when he finally went pro, great family man and a real leader. Probably the most underrated player during his time here. Hes my all time favourite player.