Martin Keown has told The Sun that Gabriel Magalhaes must ‘protect’ centre-back partner Benjamin White when the Arsenal defender storms out of Mikel Arteta’s backline.
The Gunners spent £50m to bring White to the Emirates Stadium from Brighton during the summer transfer window.
He joined Gabriel in moving to north London after the Brazilian’s £23m switch from Lille a year earlier to form Arteta’s new-look defence.
White and Gabriel have now played seven Premier League games together, in which Arsenal are yet to lose. Claiming five wins and two draws to turn their season around.
The pair have impressed Keown with their efforts so far, that have also returned four clean sheets in the top-flight.
But Arsenal’s three-time Premier League champion notes that while White has shown great quality on the ball, it leaves Gabriel having to cover. While lauding Liverpool’s £75m titan Virgil van Dijk as the benchmark they have to follow.
“Van Dijk is rapid, a great striker of the ball, comfortable in possession and a giant in the air. That’s the benchmark,” Keown said.
“You need to have all of these skill sets, not just some of them otherwise you will be found out. Overall, I like seeing these two Arsenal defenders defend.
“But there will be times when White comes out with the ball, and he does that exceptionally well, and Gabriel will need to protect him.”
Is White and Gabriel the best centre-back pairing Arsenal have?
White had a tough time on his Arsenal debut against Brentford in August as Ivan Toney used his size well. But he was a clear improvement on his on-the-day partner Pablo Mari, who often panicked against the newly-promoted Bees’ press.
The Gunners’ defence did not improve with Calum Chambers and Rob Holding featuring at Manchester City, either.
The pair were at sixes and sevens as the Citizens’ humbled Arteta’s men. But Arsenal have shown clear improvements as Gabriel and White build their rapport.
Although their efforts have not been faultless, as Crystal Palace were able to capitalise on Gabriel’s caution last month. An area Keown clearly sees as key to his role beside White.
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