‘I haven’t seen him play like this before’: Paul Merson lauds Arsenal 24-year-old

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Arsenal legend Paul Merson has waxed lyrical about Gunners defender Gabriel Magalhaes.

The Arsenal centre-back has been solid for most of his time at the Emirates Stadium.

However, he has really kicked on this season, forming a formidable partnership with Ben White.

Gabriel has made 28 Arsenal first-team appearances this season, including 25 in the Premier League.

He has even chipped in with three league goals for Mikel Arteta’s Gunners.

Gabriel’s efforts have helped Arsenal remain well in contention for a top-four finish.

Merson, writing in the Daily Star, spoke highly about Martin Odegaard.

He also feels every Arsenal player has stepped up and are playing as well as they can.

“They don’t go to Crystal Palace until the Monday,” wrote Merson.

“So all their rivals will have a chance to win and put some pressure on them.

“That’s the test now for Arsenal. Can they handle the pressure, because it’s well and truly on now.

“And they will need players like Odegaard to keep showing up every week and putting a shift in, because I think just about every player is playing as well as they can right now.

“You go through the team. Gabriel, I haven’t seen him play like this before. Ben White has been really consistent. Kieran Tierney is very good all the time. Cedric’s done well.

“And the front three behind the striker are on top form. I just worry that if any one of those players dip in the last few games, it could be a struggle.”

As per football.london, Gabriel is not on Brazil duty this international break.

He been released from the national team and will miss their upcoming qualifiers with Bolivia and Chile with the birth of his daughter imminent.