Arsenal centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes played the full 90 minutes for Brazil as Carlo Ancelotti’s side cruised past South Korea in a friendly on Friday.
The South American nation strolled to a 5-0 victory in Seoul, courtesy of braces from Rodrygo and Chelsea winger Estevao, and a strike from Vinicius Junior.
Ancelotti’s outfit have already qualified for next summer’s World Cup in North America, and are now focusing on fine-tuning their team with a series of friendlies ahead of the tournament.
Gabriel is a key part of the Italian manager’s plans, and started at the heart of their defence once again on Friday.
Brazilian media react to Gabriel Magalhaes’ performance vs South Korea
Gabriel has been excellent for Arsenal in recent years and has been rewarded for this with a regular spot in the Brazilian national team.
Controversially left out of Brazil’s squad for the 2022 World Cup, the central defender is almost certain to make next summer’s ensemble and will likely start at the tournament.
Ancelotti has taken a liking to the 27-year-old and selected him alongside Real Madrid’s Eder Militao for the clash against South Korea on Friday.
Lasting the full 90 minutes as A Selecao stomped to an emphatic victory, he did his chances of being involved next summer no harm with a sturdy display.
Brazilian media outlet Globo Esporte produced a largely positive review of Gabriel’s outing, although they did note that he received a needless booking in the second half.
“Firm in marking and efficient in passing the ball out,” they wrote.
“He received a yellow card in the second half for a foul in the attacking half to stop a counter-attack.”
The publication awarded Gabriel with a six out of ten for his efforts, while the Brazilian public gave him a 5.6 on average.
Gabriel Martinelli was an unused substitute for Brazil against South Korea
Gabriel Martinelli has featured regularly for Brazil under Ancelotti.
However, the wide forward was left on the bench for the South Korea game, and all three of his direct competitors scored; Vinicius, Rodrygo and Estevao.
The emergence of the Chelsea youngster in particular is a real problem for the Arsenal man, who has a fight on his hands to earn a spot in Ancelotti’s squad.
The likes of Richarlison, Igor Jesus and Lucas Paqueta all got on ahead of the 24-year-old, and thus, he has every right to be somewhat concerned.
That said, Martinelli did win Arsenal’s Player of the Month award for September, and if he continues his positive form for the Gunners, then he should be in contention to make Brazil’s roster next summer.
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