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| That Arsenal player is better than Mbappé |
said Real Madrid star Vinícius Jr., who revealed that he often studies the skills of an Arsenal player before his matches. The Brazilian forward's high praise underscores the rising influence of Mikel Arteta's squad, which has emerged as one of the Premier League’s most defensively resilient teams.
Arteta has successfully transformed Arsenal’s defense, with players like Gabriel Magalhães standing out. Gabriel’s leadership at the back, combined with his goal-scoring ability, has been crucial to the team’s recent successes, especially in high-pressure games like the North London Derby against Tottenham.
Despite missing key players such as Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard in that match, Arsenal proved doubters wrong by not only defending resolutely but also attacking with intent. Gabriel was instrumental, scoring the decisive goal from a Bukayo Saka corner, ensuring a 2-1 win. His impact has extended beyond defense, as he has also been a consistent threat on set-pieces.
Signed for just £27 million, Gabriel has become a cornerstone of Arsenal’s defense, with his composure, strength, and leadership making him indispensable. Following the Tottenham game, Gabriel expressed his excitement on social media, with even Real Madrid’s Vinícius Jr. commenting in support of the Brazilian center-back.
Under Arteta’s stewardship, Arsenal has developed a belief that a strong defense can be the foundation for success. Their defensive discipline allows them to secure wins even when they don’t dominate possession. The resilience displayed against Tottenham echoes similar victories this season, as Arsenal continue to challenge for the Premier League title.
This victory further showcased Arsenal’s growing depth and confidence, proving that they can compete with top teams like Manchester City, despite injuries or absences. Vinícius’ admiration for an Arsenal player only highlights the growing reputation of this player, who continues to influence Arsenal's bid for domestic and European glory.