Brazilian media react to Arsenal star Gabriel Magalhaes’ display in Brazil’s 1-0 win vs Ecuador

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Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes featured for Brazil against Ecuador on Saturday. 

Gabriel Magalhaes is gradually establishing himself at international level.

Gabriel is a key player for Arsenal. He has forged an impressive partnership with William Saliba at the Emirates Stadium.

The 26-year-old has grown and developed as a player under the guidance of Mikel Arteta, eliminating mistakes from his game, and establishing himself as a reliable and consistent presence at the back. 

Gabriel and Saliba have been deemed the best centre-back pairing in the Premier League. 

Gabriel’s progress has been rewarded with recognition at international level, and he now has eight caps to his name.

• READ MORE: Arsenal’s XI for Mikel Arteta’s first match as manager

Brazilian media rate Gabriel Magalhaes’ performance

Gabriel played the full 90 minutes in the heart of the Brazilian back line against Ecuador, helping his nation to a 1-0 win in this World Cup qualification clash.

Brazilian publication Globo rated the Arsenal man as a 6/10, and stated: “Too nervous in the first half, when he was involved in two disputes with the referee’s interference. He also took few risks with the ball at his feet, but saved a goal on the goal line.”

Meanwhile, Goal were more complimentary of his display, awarding Gabriel an 8/10 rating and noting: “Outstanding in and around the box, including a goal-line clearance in the first half. Really impressive.”

Meanwhile, Arteta will simply be relieved that Gabriel came through this encounter unscathed, as the centre-back will be needed when Arsenal take on bitter local rivals Tottenham Hotspur in their North London derby clash next time out.

Is Gabriel under threat at Arsenal?

Whilst Gabriel is currently a nailed-on starter for Arsenal, he may well face competition for his place in the team in North London this season.

Summer signing Riccardo Calafiori is capable of playing in the heart of the defence and will be aiming to put pressure on Gabriel. Calafiori has been tipped to challenge Gabriel, despite also being an option at left-back. 

On top of that, Jakub Kiwior is determined to thrive at Arsenal, and needs to really establish himself as a regular starter this season if he is to survive at the Emirates Stadium. The Poland international is another who can fill in at left-back, but he is certainly more comfortable in the middle of the back line.