Arsene Wenger thinks that Arsenal defender Gabriel’s recent performances have “shown that he is a fighter”, as per Sky Sports.
The Brazilian centre-back signed for the Gunners from Villarreal back in January and has since gone on to make 12 appearances at the heart of the Emirates defence.
And now Wenger believes that the 24-year-old is showing his “leadership” capabilities.
“Gabriel has shown that he is a fighter,” he said. “At half-time he was so upset at the deflection he got, but in the second half he came out again with the same spirit, it is a fantastic combative aspect.
“He is not a talking leader, he is a fighting leader, and I think he is a typical centre-back for the Premier League.”
The Brazilian made his sixth appearance of the season in a 2-1 victory over Everton on Saturday, a win which propelled the Gunners to the top spot in the Premier League table for just under 24 hours.
Gabriel produced a fine performance at the heart of the Gunners’ rearguard, standing in for Per Mertesacker who missed out due to illness.
Despite being culpable for the deflection that led to Ross Barkley’s goal prior to the half-time break, the Arsenal centre-back produced a strong showing by constantly thwarting the attacking threat of Romelu Lukaku and co.
Winning 75% of his aerial duels on the day, Gabriel also nullified two promising Everton attacks with successful tackles inside his own box as the visitors chased a late equaliser at the Emirates.
In fact, the Brazilian’s 60% duel winning average this term comes in at 5% higher than defensive stalwart Laurent Koscielny, with both being trumped by Mertesacker’s domineering 74% average.
Arsenal’s 2-1 defeat of Roberto Martinez’s side signals their fourth successive league victory as they continue to ascend the Premier League table in search of their first title since 2004.
Having conceded just eight goals from their opening 10 games, the Gunners’ back-line accounts for the joint best defensive record in the division, with Gabriel emerging as a key part in Wenger’s first-team plans this term.