Arsenal star Gabriel Magalhaes shares what rival Premier League strikers have been saying to him at the end of matches

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Arsenal have built up one of the best defences in world football over the past few years, with Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba at the centre of it.

In Mikel Arteta’s early days at Arsenal, their defence was somewhat frail at times, but over the years it has developed into one of their biggest strengths.

Arsenal have mounted numerous Premier League challenges in recent years thanks in part to how good Gabriel and Saliba have been at centre-back.

Gabriel has now spoken to the Arsenal media team about his journey in the game along with what his goals are at the Emirates Stadium.

The Brazil international also shared what some Premier League strikers have been saying to him at full-time after games.

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Gabriel Magalhaes gets told how strong he is and how good he is alongside William Saliba

Gabriel revealed that he sometimes gets strikers coming up to him after the game and telling him how much he has developed as a player.

Saliba would also get praise, with rivals saying he and Gabriel are such a formidable duo on the pitch.

Gabriel was asked by the Arsenal media team whether he thinks his growing reputation helps him on the pitch.

“I think so, I hope so!” he said, as per their website.

“I play against some strikers now and afterwards they say: ‘you are so strong now, you and Saliba are so good together’ and things like that, so it’s good to hear.

“That’s what we are aiming for on the pitch, we want to keep improving and we want to win trophies.”

What Gabriel does to ensure he’s at his best in key matches

One of the key metrics that the best players are subjected to is how good they are in the key matches.

Gabriel is one such player, having been named the man of the match in each of the past three North London derbies.

In addition, Gabriel netted a crucial goal against Manchester City earlier in the season.

The £27million man admits he savours the big occasions and challenges, saying: “Yes it makes me comfortable.

“Because I need to put myself in the best position and the best shape. I need to show up, to be present in those moments.

“If I’m playing against Haaland for example, I’m not going to be quiet because I know how good he is.

“No, I need to be there, put myself at an even higher level and try to win every duel.”