Garth Crooks says £27m Arsenal player ‘wears his heart on his sleeve’

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Garth Crooks has given his verdict on Arsenal defender Gabriel after watching him in action against Nottingham Forest and Liverpool.

The former Tottenham Hotspur forward was hugely impressed by the Arsenal centre-back.

So, what has Garth Crooks said about Arsenal defender Gabriel? Let’s take a look.

Praise for Arsenal defender Gabriel

Well, Arsenal beat Nottingham Forest 2-1 away from home at the City Ground in the Premier League last week.

Mikel Arteta’s side then won 3-1 against Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium in the league this past weekend.

Former Tottenham Hotspur forward Garth Crooks was impressed by the display produced by Gabriel in the two games.

The pundit has included the £27 million (Sky Sports) Brazilian centre-back in his Premier League Team of the Week.

Crooks told BBC Sport about Gabriel: “This has been an amazing week for Arsenal and in particular Gabriel. The defender very much wears his heart on his sleeve and is totally committed to the cause. 

“Against Nottingham Forest he was in the thick of it and played his part in a resolute performance by the Gunners. However, it was his display in defence against Liverpool that really impressed. He never gave Diogo Jota a kick, who looked like he missed the physical presence of Darwin Nunez.

“Meanwhile, Gabriel’s partnership with William Saliba reduced Liverpool’s chances to a minimum. Liverpool blew Chelsea away in midweek and I was surprised Nunez was left out of their starting line-up. There was a time when Liverpool never changed a winning side. It might be worth returning to that philosophy.”

My View: Gabriel is a very important player for Arsenal

In my opinion, Gabriel is one of the best and most important players for Arsenal.

While William Saliba often gets the headlines, Gabriel’s importance in the team cannot be undermined at all.

The Brazilian is always available to make a challenge or a tackle and does not get fazed by the occasion.

Gabriel has matured over the years at Arsenal and is now one of the first names on the team sheet when he is fit and available.

The 26-year-old Brazil international centre-back has made 117 appearances in the Premier League so far in his career.

The defender has scored 13 goals and given 37 clean sheets in those games.

For Arsenal to win the Premier League title this season, Gabriel will have to be a rock at the back.