Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal posted their first win in the 2024-25 Champions League last night, beating a visiting Paris Saint-Germain, 2-0. It was a second successive clean sheet in the competition for the Gunners, having played out a goalless draw in Bergamo against Atalanta.
Arsenal’s defensive dexterity has been a key strength and we got a few words with Gunners legend and ‘Invincible’, Gilberto Silva, who spoke about William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes.
The 2002 World Cup winner was full of praise for the duo, calling them the best central defensive partnership in the Premier League. He also commented on the perception of Gabriel Magalhaes and why true observers of the game can see what he brings to the table. Another topic he spoke about was William Saliba’s future at Arsenal and why he feels the club can keep him even if Real Madrid come knocking.
Gabriel and Saliba are the Premier League’s best defensive partnership
When asked about his thoughts on Arsenal’s CB pairing, Gilberto Silva said that they are the best in the Premier League and explained how they complement each other’s strengths.
“In my opinion, I believe they are the best duo in the Premier League. The combination of the two is complementary, one complements the other with different characteristics. Their physical and technical skills encompass all the attributes that good defenders need. The sector is very well served this season.”
When asked if they can eclipse the stature of Gunners legends like Tony Adams and Sol Campbell, Silva responded, “They are fully capable, yes.”
William Saliba and Real Madrid’s interest – not everyone who leaves Arsenal is successful
French defender William Saliba is only 23 and is already considered to be one of the best centre-backs in the world. He’s arguably the most important player for Arsenal and his meteoric rise has led to speculation whether Real Madrid, the world’s biggest club, would be his next destination.
Gilberto Silva has a few words of warning for Saliba, and other Arsenal players who are likely to consider things when a club of Real Madrid’s stature comes calling.
“I think there are examples of several other athletes who were at Arsenal in the past during good times, both for the club and individually, and who made an expensive change and weren’t as successful.”
The likes of Aleksandr Hleb, Alex Song, Thomas Vermaelen and more struggled at FC Barcelona when they left the Gunners. Silva attributes it to Arsenal’s philosophy which makes the club a great institution.
“Why? Arsenal has a philosophy within a very special culture, and people may not understand the greatness of this club. If they understood the greatness of the club and didn’t let themselves be carried away by the ego that is inflated when faced with a big offer from a club like Real Madrid, they could build a history at the club.
“Anyone who wants to take a different step in their career should do so, but with the certainty that they will have to build a history all over again.”
He adds that if a player does not want to stay at Arsenal, then of course the club should try to maximize the value that they can get from him.
“Arsenal is second to no other club in terms of investment. Obviously, knowing a little about the vision of the people at the club, they won’t do anything crazy either, especially if the player doesn’t want to stay at the club, right? The main point is that at a club like Arsenal, the player has to want to stay at the club.”
Gabriel Magalhaes’ value is understood by true purveyors of the beautiful game
Saliba’s partner Gabriel Magalhaes too is earning plaudits, especially for his offensive prowess. The Brazilian centre-back is one of the reasons why Arsenal have been a great threat from set pieces. Case in point being him scoring from corners in the matches against Tottenham and Man City.
Gilberto Silva praised Gabriel’s evolution and also advised him to not lose his focus, amidst so much attention from the media. He gave his own experience as an example, as he feels that a Brazilian doing well in the Premier League adds to the hype around the player.
“Look, he’s been doing a great job, you’ve been following his work closely and I think he’s evolved a lot. Defensively, he’s been constantly improving his game and his style of play.
“Sometimes, man, I’ve seen that myself in England, you know, so as a Brazilian player, if you show results on the field, you can become the darling of the international media. But if you don’t perform up to expectations, you’ll often be underestimated, until you’re playing well. So that’s it, I’ve experienced that and I understand it very well, but of course the cool thing is that you don’t have to worry about that, because I think it’s more important for him to stay focused.”
The Invincible and World Cup winner then takes a dig at Gabriel Magalhaes’ critics by saying that those who follow and understand football deeply, see the value that he brings. Those who don’t, just don’t want to see his merits.
“He’s super respected within the group, at the club, among the fans too, and man, people who can talk a little deeper can understand how valuable he is to the club today. He’s also been very balanced in the offensive sector and has been a standout at important moments.
“Today, he’s one of the main defenders in the squad and also in the Brazilian national team. In my opinion, those who don’t want to see that don’t see it.”
