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Gabriel Paulista’s transfer to Arsenal last year to some reeked of panic and desperation, with Arsenal’s defencive corps decimated with injuries. The Brazilian joined from Villarreal, where he was apart of one of the best defences in the division, and was expected at the very least to plug a gap when need be.
After a few sterling performances however, many have begun calling for him take a permanent place in the XI, and Gabriel looks set to play a big part for Arsenal in the future. He can certainly play a massive part in Arsenal’s current season, as he shown already in the early stages.
Wenger said before how he likes players who “come from nowhere” to establish themselves as big players, and Gabriel could see his stock rise soon. He deputized for the ill-stricken Per Mertesacker twice already this season, and showed he has the ability to become a top defender in England.
He was brilliant in the second half against Liverpool, keeping the likes of Benteke and Coutinho at bay, and had to be on his toes against Newcastle as well, albeit against ten men. Gooners have taken to the player for his intelligence, pace and aggression, even likening him to Martin Keown in some cases.
Laurent Koscielny is the modern day counterpart he is often associated with, as the two share similar qualities, and many have called for Wenger to pair the two more often. They were deployed together in a few outings last season, to great effect, most notably against Everton at home, which left gooners clamouring for more.
Gabriel was sensational, using his pace and strength to stifle the dangerous Lukaku all match. His recovery pace means he can cover for Koscielny in an instant should the Frenchman get pulled out of position temporarily, and vice versa.
Both are very good tacklers as well, and possess outstanding athletic properties namely jumping and sliding. This means he can easily cover for or possibly even replace Mertesacker of Koscielny when need be. He is fantastic cover for Wenger to have available in reserve, and gooners won’t be too worried if any first choice centre backs go down.
Who knows, he could well become first choice himself sometime in the near future if he keeps up these performances, and one thing for certain is that he will have a part to play for Arsenal.
Gabby is certainly going to becom a great arsenal defender; he’s got all it takes I hope we will ce more of him nd Koscienly dis season, their pair will grow into a rock infront of Cech no doubt!