Cristhian Mosquera, Piero Hincapié, or Riccardo Calafiori might start against Spurs, but none can match the Brazilian’s contribution in defense and attack.
It’s not always about the statistics. Mikel Arteta probably captured it best when he described Gabriel Magalhães’s influence on his Arsenal side this season before their clash with Crystal Palace last month. “His belief is tremendous,” said the manager. “I can tell him to run to the first post, and he does it with conviction, energy, and attitude. The team’s belief in those moments is really high, and Gabriel is at the heart of that. He gives everything for the team and sets the tone for everyone else.”
Arteta must have feared the worst when the 27-year-old left the field with his shirt over his face during Brazil’s win over Senegal at the Emirates Stadium last weekend. Before Sunday’s north London derby, he couldn’t hide his disappointment when confirming a thigh injury that requires further assessment next week means Gabriel faces an extended period on the sidelines.
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