Brazilian media deliver mixed verdicts on Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes’ performance in 1-0 win
Posted By Joe E
September 8, 2024
8:28 am
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When Arsenal signed Riccardo Calafiori this summer, some wondered if that was Mikel Arteta once again attempting to replace Gabriel Magalhaes at left centre-back.
Gabriel was dropped by Mikel Arteta at the start of last season during a period in which the centre-back was being linked with an Arsenal exit.
At the time, there was reportedly interest from Saudi Arabia, but once that talk subsided, Gabriel was back in the starting eleven – make of that what you will.
But even with Calafiori on board this season, it seems as if Gabriel will deservedly keep his spot alongside William Saliba, with the Italian more likely to start at left-back.
That being said, Gabriel is beginning to cement a regular spot starting for Brazil, an opportunity he’s had to be patient for.
And in the recent 1-0 win over Ecuador, Gabriel played 90 minutes at the back alongside Marquinhos.
Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes criticised for being too safe with the ball
Unfortunately, Gabriel Martinelli was overlooked for Brazil manager Dorival Junior’s squad, seemingly because he’s in and out of the Arsenal team right now.
And although Martinelli’s namesake, Gabriel, played the entirety of the clean sheet, some reviews of his performance in the local media were less than complementary.
Photo by MAURO PIMENTEL/AFP via Getty Images
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Globo wrote that the £27m defender was ‘too nervous’ at the back, even if he did manage to produce a goal-saving moment on the line.
Gabriel was handed a 6/10 and Globo wrote: “Too nervous in the first half, when he was involved in two disputes with the referee’s interference.
“He also took few risks with the ball at his feet, but saved a goal on the goal line.”
GZH handed Gabriel a slightly better review, a 6.5/10 and said: “He saved Ecuador’s equalising goal in the first half. Otherwise, he was hardly required to play.”
Gabriel is suffering the William Saliba treatment
On this occasion and others in the past, it does feel as if Gabriel is being slightly hardly done by, especially considering he saved Brazil’s win and clean sheet on the line as mentioned.
But a top Arsenal centre-back being unduly criticised when they go away with their country isn’t anything new to fans in north London.
Saliba has often been scolded for his France performances in the past, or his good form at Arsenal has simply been ignored by Didier Deschamps.
It was deemed that Saliba struggled against Italy on Friday – a poor performance for the entire French team.
And in all honesty, Arsenal fans will simply be hoping that their players can channel any frustrations positively in the upcoming north London derby.
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