After starting Brazil’s last six World Cup qualifiers, it’s safe to say that Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes has earned a permanent spot in his national team’s setup.
Much like Arsenal teammate William Saliba with France, Gabriel has had to work incredibly hard to earn his position, one that didn’t simply come off the back of his club form.
Even at the height of Arsenal’s success last season, Gabriel was often sitting on the bench for Brazil, as he did for most of Copa America earlier this year.
However, Mikel Arteta’s trusty centre-back now lines up alongside Paris Saint-Germain’s Marquinhos on a regular basis.
And that duo was in place for Brazil’s 1-1 draw with Uruguay in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
Gabriel Magalhaes hailed as the ‘best player’ for Brazil
Gabriel Martinelli came on as substitute in the second half, and Gabriel played the full 90 minutes.
Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde put the visitors ahead before Flamengo midfielder Gerson equalised.
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Incidentally, Valverde spoke about joining Arsenal recently, a move that never quite transpired.
Either way, Gabriel was lauded for a strong showing by Globo who claimed that the defender was actually one of the best players on the pitch in the first half.
They wrote: “One of the best players in the first half. He was directly responsible for Brazil’s offensive play, whether it was carrying the ball or risking long passes.
“Defensively, he fulfilled his role in a sector that was exposed in the second half. 6.5/10.”
GZH weren’t so complimentary on their part, attributing some of the blame for Valverde’s goal onto Gabriel.
“Failed to clear Uruguay’s goal by failing to clear the ball at the start of the play. Rating: 5.”
Darwin Nunez hooked at half-time after Gabriel dominance
Of course, after Liverpool’s Ben Doak gave Jakub Kiwior a torrid time earlier this week, Arsenal fans will be happy that Gabriel was able to shut out Darwin Nunez in the 1-1 draw.
Nunez was getting no joy up against the Arsenal centre-back and was actually hooked at half time.
Gabriel was also complimented against Venezuela earlier this week – a solid international break for the defender.
And the 26-year-old will now be swiftly refocusing his attention on a tie against Nottingham Forest at the Emirates Stadium.
The start of a vital run of games for Arteta, and ones he’ll need Gabriel at his best for.
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