EPL: Arteta can't let him down despite mistakes - Campbell singles out Arsenal star
Former Arsenal striker Kevin Campbell says Gabriel Magalhaes is an integral part of Mikel Arteta's side who cannot be left out despite recent mistakes.
Gabriel arrived from Lille on a £23million deal in 2020.
The Brazilian has played every league minute for Arsenal this season to propel them to the top of the table.
On Friday, the club rewarded the 24-year-old with a new long-term contract that will keep him at the Emirates until 2027.
Gabriel, however, made some high-profile mistakes that almost cost Arsenal valuable points, including in games against Fulham, Tottenham, Liverpool and Leeds.
As a result, some fans and pundits have called for the Brazilian to be dropped, especially with Ben White and William Saliba in top form.
But Campbell told Metro UK: "Saliba is a cool, calm and collected person who cleans up for others, but there must be a mugger next to him.
"Having two 'passive' centre-backs is a striker's dream! Gabriel is the kind of attacking defender who doesn't like to play against.
"Let's be honest, players make mistakes, and no matter who you are, you can make mistakes in a game of football. There have been some glaring ones sometimes, I admit, but despite all those mistakes , Arsenal are still top of the league.
"I'm a big fan of Gabriel, I think he's committed to what the club does, and the numbers suggest he's had a very good season so far."
Former Arsenal striker Kevin Campbell says Gabriel Magalhaes is an integral part of Mikel Arteta's side who cannot be left out despite recent mistakes.
Gabriel arrived from Lille on a £23million deal in 2020.
The Brazilian has played every league minute for Arsenal this season to propel them to the top of the table.
On Friday, the club rewarded the 24-year-old with a new long-term contract that will keep him at the Emirates until 2027.
Gabriel, however, made some high-profile mistakes that almost cost Arsenal valuable points, including in games against Fulham, Tottenham, Liverpool and Leeds.
As a result, some fans and pundits have called for the Brazilian to be dropped, especially with Ben White and William Saliba in top form.
But Campbell told Metro UK: "Saliba is a cool, calm and collected person who cleans up for others, but there must be a mugger next to him.
"Having two 'passive' centre-backs is a striker's dream! Gabriel is the kind of attacking defender who doesn't like to play against.
"Let's be honest, players make mistakes, and no matter who you are, you can make mistakes in a game of football. There have been some glaring ones sometimes, I admit, but despite all those mistakes , Arsenal are still top of the league.
"I'm a big fan of Gabriel, I think he's committed to what the club does, and the numbers suggest he's had a very good season so far."
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