Cedric Soares says Arsenal have a player in their ranks who’s strong and physical but also quick

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal defender Cedric Soares has waxed lyrical about Gabriel Magalhaes, describing his Gunners teammate as “very strong and physical” and also quick.

The Gunners signed Gabriel from French club Lille last September for a reported £27million and the player hit the ground running at the Emirates Stadium.

Gabriel was one of Arsenal’s best and most consistent players in the first half of the season, shining during the torrid run of form which saw numerous star players flatter to deceive.

A red card suspension followed by illness saw the 23-year-old miss four Premier League games and then remain an unused substitute for the next four, but he’s now back in the XI.

Speaking ahead of Arsenal’s Europa League last-32 first-leg meeting with Benfica, Cedric was asked by the club’s media team about his colleague in the back line.

“Gabriel is a very good player,” said the full-back. “He’s very strong and I think he’s helping the team like all the other players as well.

“Gabi has been very good since he joined Arsenal. He’s a very strong and physical player. He’s also quick and we are helping each other as well.

“He speaks the same language as me, so it has been very good for the team and I’m sure he will keep growing as a player at Arsenal.”

TBR View:

While Thomas Partey was Arsenal’s most high-profile signing of the summer transfer window, Gabriel was also rightfully recognised as a superb signing.

Three consecutive club Player of the Month awards show just how good he was earlier in the season while many of his teammates struggled.

He’s still finding his way back to form but surely it won’t be long before he’s back to the levels he reached earlier in the campaign.