Manchester City loanee Manuel Akanji thinks one of Mikel Arteta’s players is the best in the world in his position.
Akanji isn’t the biggest fan of Arsenal from his time at Manchester City, with tension hitting boiling point in 2024 when the Gunners drew 2-2 at the Etihad.
Man City’s players were seething at Arsenal’s tactics after the draw, and Akanji was one to comment.
The defender stated that Arsenal are always ‘looking for the drama’, which might have made the Gunners’ recent win against his loan club, Inter Milan, even sweeter.
Manuel Akanji thinks Gabriel Magalhaes is the best defender in the world
Before the Inter clash, Akanji denied that Arsenal are the best team in Europe.
The Swiss international might not rate Arteta’s side as highly as others, but he’s certainly a fan of one member of the Arsenal squad.
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In a round of quick-fire questions in a TikTok video produced by GOAL USA, Akanji was asked to name who he believes is the best defender in the world right now.
“Tough question,” he said, before nominating Gabriel Magalhaes.
“Gabriel, he plays really well at the moment.”
Akanji isn’t the first and certainly won’t be the last person to say this, as Ashley Cole just named Gabriel as the best defender in the Premier League this season.
Signed for just £27m in 2020, Gabriel has transformed into a world-beater at Arsenal, but it’s not just in defence that his presence is recognised.
Change my mind: Gabriel Magalhaes ends his Arsenal career with 40+ goals.
Gabriel is outperforming Viktor Gyokeres in Arsenal’s attack
The Brazilian isn’t just an impregnable defender, but he’s also a force to be reckoned with in the final third.
Gabriel was called unstoppable earlier in the season, and it’s clear to see why, but for one reason, his offensive contribution is actually concerning.
That’s because Gabriel is actually outperforming Arsenal’s £64m striker signing Viktor Gyokeres in the Premier League.
| Gabriel Magalhaes | Statistic | Viktor Gyokeres |
| 5 | Goal contributions | 5 |
| 21% | Shot conversion % | 15% |
| 3 | Big chances created | 2 |
Let’s remember that Gabriel is a centre-back and Gyokeres is a striker, but the Brazilian has created more chances for his teammates than the Swede and has the same number of goal contributions.
It’s difficult to comprehend the level Gabriel operates at in the final third and, simultaneously, the level that Gyokeres does.
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