Arsenal centre-back David Luiz has praised his teammate Gabriel Magalhaes after his dominant display against Rapid Vienna in the Europa League yesterday evening.

The 22-year-old was in superb form, making the most interceptions (four) and clearances (six), as well as winning 100% of his aerial duels on the night. Luiz says his fellow Brazilian has already shown he is a top centre-back:

“He is a great player, a great friend. I think he’s showed already his quality, his personality, so we are trying to do our best for the team.”

The £27m that the Gunners paid for Gabriel is looking like an absolute bargain at the moment and if he keeps up this level of consistency, it will certainly bode well for his long term future at the club.

Having someone like Luiz beside him should help enormously as well. At 33 years age, his countryman has the experience and knows what a centre-half needs to do to play at the highest level.

Manager Mikel Arteta has been hesitant to switch from a three-man backline due to concerns over the team’s vulnerability at the back, but the form of Gabriel has meant he has begun to play a back four in recent games, demonstrating his growing confidence in his defence.