Often the lesser praised of our CB duo, Gabriel is beginning to get a lot of plaudits. Scoring 4 recently has helped raise his profile, but it is his defensive work that really impresses.
We will never know what would have happened with Gabriel if not for Timbers injury. Gabriel was left out for the opening few games, even after Timber was ruled out 50 minutes into his debut. Returning to the XI after the closing of the transfer window may even lead to people questioning if Gabriel was close to leaving.
It was Thomas Parteys injury and return of Zinchenko that seemed to open the door for Gabriel, coming back into the starting XI for the 3-1 win over Manchester United. Since then he has played all but once (the 5-0 over Sheffield United) in all competitions.
It hasn't always been easy for Gabriel at Arsenal, and even this season he has been made a scapegoat for Brazils dismal start to World Cup qualification. Yet he responds with top performances at club level, while showing great passion. The high fives, fist bumps and chest bumps after winning a tackle or a goal kick may upset certain pundits, but it shows he loves doing his basic job of defending and winning.
Hopefully he can continue to grow and the partnership with Saliba continues to flourish.
Gabriel Magalhaes...
posted on 12/2/24
It seemed like Arteta was ready to swing the axe on Gabriel in the summer which was odd then, looks even odder now.
posted on 12/2/24
Gabriel and Saliba compliment each other perfectly. Not flawless. Who is? For me they currently are the best CB duo in the PL.
posted on 12/2/24
comment by Two Balls, One Saka (U19684)
posted 1 hour, 23 minutes ago
It seemed like Arteta was ready to swing the axe on Gabriel in the summer which was odd then, looks even odder now.
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You will get good money for him now
posted on 12/2/24
The only good thing that came from Timber’s injury was an end to the mad idea that Gabriel was a bench player or even possibly bait for Saudi money.
Timber will have to get used to playing back up or at either FB position. Gabriel and Saliba are an ELITE partnership. There are better defenders than them out there individually but as a partnership, Gabriel/Saliba have ridiculous chemistry that you can’t buy
posted on 12/2/24
comment by Vladimikel Artutin - committing war crimes against football since 2019 (U18355)
posted 1 hour, 2 minutes ago
The only good thing that came from Timber’s injury was an end to the mad idea that Gabriel was a bench player or even possibly bait for Saudi money.
Timber will have to get used to playing back up or at either FB position. Gabriel and Saliba are an ELITE partnership. There are better defenders than them out there individually but as a partnership, Gabriel/Saliba have ridiculous chemistry that you can’t buy
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Honestly who are better than them?
posted on 12/2/24
Gabriel’s stepped up. He was often the guy to lose his head in crucial moments but now he’s the guy you rely on in crucial moments. With him it was more mental than anything.
He’s such a solid player, the goals he’s coming up with are just a bonus. But defensively he’s got that grit and leadership required.
posted on 12/2/24
comment by Gunnerthru (U6675)
posted 32 minutes ago
comment by Vladimikel Artutin - committing war crimes against football since 2019 (U18355)
posted 1 hour, 2 minutes ago
The only good thing that came from Timber’s injury was an end to the mad idea that Gabriel was a bench player or even possibly bait for Saudi money.
Timber will have to get used to playing back up or at either FB position. Gabriel and Saliba are an ELITE partnership. There are better defenders than them out there individually but as a partnership, Gabriel/Saliba have ridiculous chemistry that you can’t buy
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Honestly who are better than them?
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Yeah, nobody in my book, individually or as a pair, Gabriel is the perfect powerful foil for the Bentley Turbo that is Saliba.
I wouldn't swap Saliba for VVD now, Saliba is 10 years younger & since his return from injury VVD hasn't returned to his imperious best, I think he has lost a yard of pace. Saliba will ony get better - I fear that we will not be able to hang on to him. 👀
posted on 13/2/24
Timber should IMO just slot in at either LB or RB.
I'd personally like to see
White - Saliba - Gabby - Timber
posted on 13/2/24
Defensively we are the best team in the league
posted on 13/2/24
comment by ItsAboutTheBackFour (U9916)
posted 10 hours, 3 minutes ago
comment by Gunnerthru (U6675)
posted 32 minutes ago
comment by Vladimikel Artutin - committing war crimes against football since 2019 (U18355)
posted 1 hour, 2 minutes ago
The only good thing that came from Timber’s injury was an end to the mad idea that Gabriel was a bench player or even possibly bait for Saudi money.
Timber will have to get used to playing back up or at either FB position. Gabriel and Saliba are an ELITE partnership. There are better defenders than them out there individually but as a partnership, Gabriel/Saliba have ridiculous chemistry that you can’t buy
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Honestly who are better than them?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Yeah, nobody in my book, individually or as a pair, Gabriel is the perfect powerful foil for the Bentley Turbo that is Saliba.
I wouldn't swap Saliba for VVD now, Saliba is 10 years younger & since his return from injury VVD hasn't returned to his imperious best, I think he has lost a yard of pace. Saliba will ony get better - I fear that we will not be able to hang on to him. 👀
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So Arsenal can spend a £100m on a player but not be able to hang onto one of their starters?
How does that work?