Gabriel Magalhaes already showing why Arsenal and Arteta were so keen – TBR View

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal have had a mixed start to the season but the overriding feeling at the club is one of positivity following a change in style under Mikel Arteta.

A positive end to the season which saw the FA Cup and then the Community Shield captured just months later, was supplemented nicely by some fine summer signings at The Emirates.

The likes of Willian arrived to bring experience to the group, while Thomas Partey was a deadline day addition which should add both steel and quality to the Gunners’ midfield.

However, it is the signing of Brazilian defender, Gabriel Magalhaes, that is already looking like being a superb piece of business.

The 22-year-old arrived from Lille and has started four of the five Premier League games so far, looking assured, calm, and commanding both in and out of possession.

Stats back up his role

As well as all those positive aspects to his play which all defenders need to have, it’s clear when you dip into a few stats how vital Gabriel will be for Mikel Arteta’s way of playing.

The Spaniard has clearly told his team to play out and build from the back. That requires a player with enough confidence and quality to pull it off and Gabriel sits behind only Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg in passes completed this season, with 377.  (Premierleague.com)

Obviously, you can look at this stat and say that defenders in the modern game are now involved here. Indeed, Virgil van Dijk, Michael Keane, and Lewis Dunk are all in the top ten.

But also within that list is Hojbjerg, Leicester’s Youri Tielemans, and Fulham playmaker, Tom Cairney. All three players are imperative in starting their team’s attacks, and Gabriel is proving to be that man for Arsenal.

The signing of Gabriel looks to have been a well thought out one by Arteta. He was desperate to land him in the summer and, judging by the early stats and performances, it’s obvious why.