Arsenal have William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes to thank for their resurgence under Mikel Arteta.
The duo are one of the best central defensive partnerships in world football right now, with the two players fusing at the perfect time.
While Saliba went on loan to perfect his craft, Gabriel grew in the Premier League under Arteta, finally coming together in the 2022/23 season.
Gabriel and Saliba’s partnership is crucial to Arsenal but, things used to be very different for the pair and the Gunners’ defence.
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Gabriel Magalhaes had faith in his partnership with Ben White
Arsenal don’t cope well without Saliba but, it’s becoming increasingly clear that Gabriel is just as important to Arteta’s back line.
The 27-year-old arrived in North London in 2020 as a promising player but by no means the finished article.
Now, the Brazil international is far closer to being a complete player, rising alongside Saliba to bring the Gunners stability like no other.
Arsenal had to be patient with Saliba, as did Gabriel, who was tried and tested with a host of partners before the Frenchman’s debut season.
Speaking to Sky Sports in 2021, the defender revealed that he had great promise in his budding partnership with Ben White, who had signed that summer from Brighton.
“It’s only the beginning but I think we have the makings of a very good partnership, in terms of our attributes,” Gabriel revealed when speaking about White.
“The manager wants his central defenders to defend well, first and foremost, he wants us to know the moments to attack and the moments to defend. That’s what we are trying to do, and we know now when to drop deep and when to push up.”
The pair enjoyed a full season together as central defensive partners before Saliba emerged, seeing White shift to the right.
What Mikel Arteta said about Gabriel when he signed for Arsenal
It’s always been about growth for Gabriel, who has seen his game rocket in the Premier League following his 2020 transfer from Ligue 1.
Upon signing for Arsenal, Arteta was eager to see how the Brazilian would grow in his squad, something that has happened beyond expectation.
“He has many qualities which will make us stronger as a defensive unit and as a team,” Arteta said, via Arsenal’s official website.
“He has proved with Lille that he is a defender with many outstanding attributes and we are looking forward to watching him grow as an Arsenal player.”
Gabriel himself has noticed his growth at Arsenal, admitting that he’s a different player from the one who arrived in North London almost five years ago.
It’s been quite the journey for the Brazilian so far in N5, with a lot more to come from the defender and his perfect partnership with Saliba.
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