Eddie Nketiah and Reiss Nelson have both agreed that Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes is currently the best centre-back in the Premier League.
The Brazilian international has been influential for the Gunners once again this season, with Gabriel forming arguably the best defensive partnership in the Premier League alongside William Saliba.
Arsenal have conceded the fewest goals out of any club this season in the Premier League, and Gabriel’s form has been influential to this incredible stat in the English top-flight.
Gabriel Magalhaes named best Premier League defender by Arsenal teammates
And speaking to Sky Sports, Nketiah and Nelson both agreed that Gabriel is currently the best defender in the Premier League based on the 26-year-old’s performances at the back as well as upfront from set-pieces.
Nketiah said about Gabriel: “You have to look at what he’s doing at the moment with how well he’s defending at the back, how much of a threat he is in the opposing box as well.
“It’s so important that he’s chipping in with goals. For me, his duels and you see how aggressive he is and how he trains.”
Nelson added: “You don’t want to go near him [in training], he’s one of those rash players but he’s calculated. He’s got technical ability, in the air he’s good, scored big goals this season, he talks, it’s what you want in a centre-back.”
Arsenal’s star players are beginning to hit top form this season
Gabriel is just one of a handful of Arsenal players this season who has been nothing short of incredible, with Mikel Arteta unlocking the true potential of a number of stars in the last 12 months.
Yet the Brazilian’s development has been the most apparent, with Gabriel easily one of the best defenders in the world and a real pillar of success for the Gunners this season.
Heading into the final few games of the season, Gabriel’s form will be crucial if Arsenal are to win silverware, and the defender has the quality to dictate games for the better at the back.