Cedric Soares has been singing the praises of Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes.
The Brazilian centre-back joined the Gunners in a £27 million deal from Lille last summer.
And it’s been a very encouraging first season in North London for the 23-year-old, who has made 15 Premier League appearances under Mikel Arteta and would have made more if not for missing a month after testing positive for the coronavirus.
But the South American stalwart is back in Arsenal’s first XI these days and could face Benfica tonight in the first leg of their last 32 tie in the Europa League.
Cedric also joined Arteta’s side on a permanent basis last summer and being fluent Portuguese speakers, the 29-year-old, who signed from Southampton, has revealed that the pair are helping one another.
He told Arsenal’s official website: “Gabriel is a very good player. He’s very strong and I think he’s helping the team like all the other players as well. Gabi has been very good since he joined Arsenal. He’s a very strong and physical player. He’s also quick and we are helping each other as well.”
Gabriel has been a brilliant find for Arsenal, it has to be said.
Yes, there have been some hairy moments – including a red card in December – but for the most part this is a player with a lot of potential and the fact that he’s enjoyed such a seamless transition to life in England’s top flight can only be a good thing.
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