Gary Lineker and Micah Richards in full agreement over Arsenal ‘warrior’ who every team would ‘really want’

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Gary Lineker and Micah Richards have now heaped praise on one Arsenal star after the North London Derby.

Arsenal produced a defensive masterclass to secure a 1-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday afternoon. 

Given that they were missing so many key players, the Gunners went into this clash with some notable issues to contend with. Without Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice on the pitch, Mikel Arteta’s side were missing a huge part of what usually makes them tick in the middle of the park. 

In their stead, Jorginho and Thomas Partey started together in the midfield for the very first time. 

However, this was a win built upon the good work that the Gunners did at the back. Jurrien Timber impressed Arsenal fans, whilst William Saliba and David Raya were both also excellent. It was Gabriel Magalhaes, though, who was the true star of the show. 

• READ MORE: What is the North London Derby? Everything you need to know about the Arsenal and Tottenham rivalry

Gary Lineker and Micah Richards hail Arsenal star Gabriel Magalhaes

Gary Lineker was impressed by the performance that Gabriel produced in this match. 

Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, the former England striker said: “Gabriel is a warrior, isn’t he? He’s a player you’d really want on your side, and he does chip in with the odd goal.”

Micah Richards could be heard audibly agreeing with these sentiments.

The 26-year-old produced another vital goal in this match, as his second half header produced enough to claim all three points for Arsenal.

How important is Gabriel to Arsenal?

Gabriel has improved hugely as a player since his arrival at the Emirates Stadium from Lille in the summer of 2020.

Both the player himself, and Arteta for his coaching, deserve credit for this progress. Saliba believes Gabriel is the best centre-back in the Premier League now. 

The 9-cap Brazil international’s importance to Arsenal can scarcely be overstated. Alongside Saliba, he forms the solid defensive bedrock that underpins everything else that the Gunners do on the pitch.

Of course, the fact that he has a habit of producing vital goals is a huge bonus too.