Much of Arsenal’s recent success can be attributed to the number of effective partnerships that have been allowed to evolve and blossom all over the pitch.
For instance, the connection that exists between Ben White, Martin Odegaard, and Bukayo Saka has made the right-hand side of Arsenal’s attack especially potent.
Perhaps the most notable partnership in Mikel Arteta’s squad, though, is the one that exists between his two first choice centre-backs, William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes.
The defensive duo are two of the first names on the team sheet for the Gunners. Saliba broke an Arsenal record last season, as he became the first outfielder to ever play every minute of a Premier League campaign for the North London club.
The Frenchman’s connection with Gabriel has been solidified by the plentiful game time they have had together. On top of that, though, the pair possess complementary qualities and attributes. Saliba’s composure and technical ability dovetails with the Brazilian’s aggression and aerial prowess, allowing them to deal with any attacker they come up against.
Saliba and Gabriel have been called the best centre-back pairing in the Premier League, and goalkeeper David Raya gets the best possible view of the duo at work.
William Saliba of Arsenal celebrates after scoring with Gabriel of Arsenal and Bukayo Saka of Arsenal during the pre-season friendly match between …
David Raya hails Arsenal duo William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes
In a recent interview with Sky Sports, the Spanish shot-stopper was able to put his finger on exactly what makes Saliba and Gabriel so special as a pairing.
He said: “They are so strong and the relationship they have between them is incredible. They both know where the other one is in every situation, so they have each other’s backs.
“And they’re so clever, both of them, considering they are relatively young. I know Wilo is a bit younger than Gabriel, but they are both relatively young and the positions they take up on the pitch to avoid stuff happening are incredible.”
Mikel Arteta planning to support Gabriel and Saliba
Whilst it is hard to imagine either Saliba or Gabriel slipping down the pecking order any time soon, Arteta will be keen to become somewhat less reliant upon them. After all, he cannot be at risk of an injury to either being enough to derail the club’s entire campaign.
It has been said that Riccardo Calafiori was signed to challenge Gabriel for his place in the starting XI, and the Italian will certainly offer cover in that role. A fit Jurrien Timber represents another option that can be called upon in the heart of the rearguard, who wasn’t available to Arteta for the vast majority of last season.
Leave a Reply