Declan Rice impressed by Gabriel’s impact at Arsenal
Since his blockbuster £105 million move to Arsenal from West Ham last summer, Declan Rice has been making waves in the Gunners’ midfield. However, it’s not just his own performances that have caught his eye. The England international has been vocal about his surprise and admiration for teammate Gabriel Magalhaes.
When asked about Saliba and Gabriel in the build-up to Arsenal‘s 4-1 win over Newcastle on Saturday, Rice told TNT Sports: ‘I can’t speak highly enough of them, I’m not going to sit here and lie.
‘I think Saliba is unbelievable, obviously heard about all the talk of him before I come here and the one who’s really surprised me is actually Gabriel.
‘He’s so aggressive, so strong, really wants it all the time, never loses a duel.
‘When you’ve got two centre-backs like that who want it, play aggressive, it really helps and gives you confidence.’
Rice, who seamlessly slotted into Arsenal’s midfield, credits the Brazilian defender for his smooth acclimatization. In particular, Rice highlights Gabriel’s aggression and winning mentality as qualities that have stood out to him since his arrival at the Emirates Stadium.
Gabriel, alongside William Saliba, forms Arsenal’s first-choice center-back pairing, and his presence on the pitch has evidently left a lasting impression on Rice. The Brazilian’s commanding performances and defensive prowess have not only bolstered Arsenal’s backline but also earned the respect and admiration of his teammates.
As Arsenal continues to strive for success on all fronts, the burgeoning partnership between Rice and Gabriel could prove instrumental in their pursuit of silverware. With Rice’s midfield mettle complemented by Gabriel’s defensive steel, Arsenal fans have every reason to be optimistic about the future.
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