Jamie Carragher has admitted that Gabriel Magalhaes’ continued rise has surprised him after the Arsenal defender’s latest match-winning contribution against Newcastle.
Gabriel rose highest from Martin Odegaard’s injury-time corner to head home a dramatic winner for the Gunners at St James’ Park.
The goal was the Brazilian centre-back’s 18th in the Premier League since his debut in September 2020, six more than any other defender in that time period.
And alongside his goal threat, Gabriel has formed a rock-solid defensive partnership with William Saliba at the heart of Mikel Arteta’s defence.
Arsenal conceded the fewest goals in the last three seasons, and have only let in three so far this campaign – the joint-fewest alongside Crystal Palace.
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Gabriel and Saliba’s partnership looks set to continue for years to come, too, after the Frenchman signed a new long-term contract until 2030, just months after Gabriel penned a new deal in the summer.
Saliba had faced heavy links with a move to Real Madrid, with many convinced that the 24-year-old had a higher ceiling than his defensive partner, Gabriel.
And while Carragher revealed he previously thought the same, the former Liverpool centre-back now insists that Gabriel is just as complete a defender as Saliba.
‘What I would say about Gabriel now, after watching him for the last two years, he’s becoming a real leader for that club,’ Carragher told Sky Sports.
‘I always thought Saliba was a different level to Gabriel. I think they’re on the same level. I think he’s fantastic at what he does at both ends of the pitch.’
Arteta, meanwhile, suggested that the recent long-term deals signed by Gabriel, Saliba and others showcased the ‘power’ of the north London club.
‘First of all it is that they feel like they belong to this club and they feel attached to it and share the same ambition with the club,’ he said on Tuesday.
‘They feel valued, they feel loved here and they want to continue their careers here which is great.
‘We have been really lucky, but it also shows the power of this football club and how much people love it and want to come here. Even when players have the opportunity to go somewhere else, they want to come here.’
And speaking about his own new deal, Saliba added: ‘I’m so happy to sign a new deal with my club. I hope to keep going like this with the team to win some trophies.
‘The only thing that we’re missing here is winning trophies. We all believe in the project and the future.
‘We have a good squad, good staff and a good coach, so we are close to that shifting. We have to keep going like we are to make sure that we’re going to win some trophies.’
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