Recent media comments suggest that one Arsenal player still does not receive the credit that he deserves given his recent form.
Gabriel Magalhaes was in sensational form for Arsenal this season.
Whilst it is true that the Brazilian centre-back has been error-prone in the past, he was able to cut such mistakes almost entirely out of his game this season. Alongside William Saliba, he played a crucial role in making the Gunners’ rearguard the most solid in the Premier League.
In 38 top flight matches this season, the North London club saw their net breached just 29 times. Gabriel made 36 appearances in the competition.
Arsenal’s progress this season was built upon their reliability at the back. Gabriel and Saliba have been dubbed the best centre-back partnership in the Premier League. However, whilst the Frenchman is routinely lauded, Gabriel’s contribution is often overlooked by those outside the club.
Arsenal ace Gabriel Magalhaes compared to Martin Keown
Journalist Mark Ogden’s recent comments, speaking on ESPN, underline this standpoint. He said of the 26-year-old: “I think he’s prone to giving referees something to think about. He’s a bit reckless at times, and I think if he can iron those flaws out I think he’s very good alongside Saliba. He reminds me a bit of Martin Keown.
“You know, the Invincibles’ Martin Keown, but Martin Keown by the time he was in the Invincibles had a bit more experience and had ironed out the flaws that Gabriel still has.”
Like Gabriel, Martin Keown was known for his combative approach and excelled in physical duels. However, it would be fair to say that the current Arsenal star is more technically accomplished than Keown ever was. All in all, this makes for a rather strange comparison.
Why Gabriel Magalhaes deserves more credit
Whilst the £27 million former Lille man is not as assured or composed on the ball as Saliba, who makes the game look unnaturally easy in this regard at times, he can still contribute to the Gunners’ build up play.
Mikel Arteta demands a high technical level from all of his own players, and Gabriel is no different. He is certainly appreciated within the club, too. Saliba has even named Gabriel as the best centre-back in the Premier League.
If Gabriel can maintain his recent standards into the upcoming season then he will surely eventually start to get the credit he deserves from all quarters.