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David Seaman has claimed that he would have defender Gabriel Magalhaes straight in his side when picking an Arsenal XI.

The Gunners signed the 22-year-old Brazilian in the summer window for £27million (Guardian) from Lille and he’s quickly established himself as an important player at the Emirates Stadium.

Gabriel has started all but one of Arsenal’s 10 Premier League games so far and manager Mikel Arteta has used various different options, but the South American has been an ever-present.

The left-footed centre-back, who earns £50,000-a-week (Spotrac), looks an assured figure at the back that is being let down by others around him right now.

Former Arsenal goalkeeper Seaman has made it clear he’d definitely be starting summer signing Gabriel, something that the manager clearly agrees with.

“Great start. When I saw him come in, you can see the energy, and you see the enthusiasm about him. But it’s not out of control, it’s totally in control what he’s doing. He’s straight on the team sheet for me,” Seaman told The Target Men podcast (2 December).

TBR’s View:

Gabriel is one of the few players within the Arsenal group that can be pleased with their individual start to the season, as he’s looked a natural fit during his first taste of Premier League football and caught the eye amid some poor results.

Aged 22, the centre-half already looks a real leader in the backline and it justifies the club splashing out nearly £30million to sign him.

After Thursday night’s Europa League mach with Rapid Vienna, there is a gigantic North London derby away to Tottenham on Sunday in the Premier League.

It’s vital Arsenal win after earning just four points from their last six league games, plus on top of that it’s a fixture against their biggest rivals who are currently sat top of the table with major bragging rights.