Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes was in action for Brazil during their 1-0 defeat to Paraguay.
It’s a difficult time for the Brazilian national team, who are a side in transition and on the hunt to restore their former ruling over world football.
Arsenal have four Brazilians in Mikel Arteta’s current squad in Neto, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Magalhaes, with the latter involved in Brazil’s latest fixtures.
The Selecao played twice during the September international break in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers, beating Ecuador and then losing 1-0 to Paraguay.
Brazilian media react to Gabriel’s performance against Paraguay
Following the not so pretty victory against Ecuador, Dorival Junior came under more scrutiny as his side lost to Paraguay.
Gabriel started the game and played the whole 90 minutes partnering Marquinhos in central defence, seeing his performance rated by the media.
Brazilian outlet ge.globo held the Arsenal star partly responsible for Paraguay’s goal, criticising the defender’s risk taking at the back.
“He takes more risks than his teammate when it comes to passing the ball, whether through the middle or through long balls.
| Gabriel Magalhaes for Brazil v Paraguay |
| 94 touches |
| 4/9 long balls completed |
| 90% passing accuracy |
| 4 clearances |
| 2 blocks |
| 4/6 duels won |
| 2 tackles + interception |
“He seemed nervous at the start of the match, when he got into arguments with his Paraguayan opponents. He made a mistake in the goal when he cut the ball back to the edge of the area, allowing Diego Gomez to finish.”
Terra were equally as unforgiving of Gabriel, handing him a 5/10 match rating, which was kind in Zero Hora’s eyes, who gave the 26-year-old a 4.5/10.
“He cleared the ball badly, which led to the Paraguayan goal. Rating 4.5.”
GOAL were far more forgiving than how Brazilian media viewed the game, lauding the centre-back’s ability to win ‘almost all of his duels’.
“Won almost all of his duels, effective in the air, and ensured that Paraguay could never really hit it long.”
Arsenal will be satisfied with Gabriel’s stats for Brazil v Paraguay
While Brazilian media held Gabriel accountable for Paraguay’s match-winning goal, the Arsenal ace had a comfortable night statistically for his country.
In 90 minutes, the centre-back won four out of six duels, as well as being heavily involved in the game, recording a dominant 94 touches.
Having played the full 90 minutes in both of Brazil’s fixtures in the September international break, Gabriel will be satisfied with his time with the Selecao, as he looks to cement his position in the starting XI.
The most important thing for Arsenal is that the 26-year-old will return to the Emirates fit and ready to battle Tottenham as the North London derby fast approaches.
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