“Most underrated” This stat proves Arsenal defender Gabriel is world-class

Arsenal are having a triumphant season so far. Mikel Arteta has got the Gunners playing the way fans have been wishing for over the last decade. Perhaps the most underrated tactical change he has made involves his defence.

The most common defence for Arsenal is a back four involving Oleksandr Zinchenko, Gabriel, William Saliba and Ben White. You will often see Zinchenko praised as the “best signing in the league,” Saliba praised as the “best defender in the league” and White praised as “the most improved in the league”. However, Gabriel is not praised enough.

I would even argue that Gabriel is Arsenal’s most important player. In the most recent match against Everton, he was the highest rated player in the post-match player ratings.

Arsenal fans have stumbled across the latest stat on Twitter which paints the perfect picture of Gabriel Magalhaes. Gabriel is the leading player across Europe’s top five leagues when it comes to last-man tackles, with six.

Rival fans will come at this stat with the argument that this is a cherry-picked stat to paint Gabriel in a positive light. However, Arsenal fans will know Gabriel does this kind of stuff on a consistent basis, being the most important player for the league-leaders.

Fans have jumped to the replies to show their love for their star defender.

This Twitter user has describe Gabriel as the most underrated defender.

Chelsea fans were quick to point out that even Arsenal fans doubted him – and they did.

Arsenal players just don’t get the praise that other players do for having the same talent.

To describe Gabriel as “world-class” might, to some, seem far-fetched. And I understand why it would come across that way. However, at the moment he is the best defender for the best team in England, which is the best league in the world.

Where would you rank Gabriel among Premier League defenders?