Rio Ferdinand has criticised Arsenal central defender Gabriel.
The former Manchester United defender has said on his YouTube channel that Gabriel needs to stop making rash decisions.
The pundit has said that the £27 million (Sky Sports) Brazilian defender has to be calm.
Ferdinand made the comments about Gabriel while analysing his performance for Arsenal against West Ham United in the Premier League this past weekend.
The defender conceded a penalty in the 2-2 draw between the Gunners and the Hammers in the London derby.
Said Benrahma successfully converted the penalty.
Rio Ferdinand on Arsenal defender Gabriel
Ferdinand said, as transcribed by Football.London: “I thought they [Arsenal] let themselves down.
“They had the game in a stranglehold, they had West Ham where they wanted them, going into half time 2-0 up, you coast that game. But rash… and I’ve said this about Gabriel a few times.
“He’s rash, he makes mad, wild decisions. As a defender you’ve got to be calm. There’s no need for him to do what he did. It was a rush of blood, he needs to eradicate that, get that out of his game quick.
“As a manager you don’t want to see that. Because those types of things ruin the head too many times, it starts becoming part of their make-up, and you’re going, ‘hold on, can I rely on this guy?’.
“I think he’s had a fabulous season, Gabriel. But those types of decisions can be very costly, he’s in the run-in now. That will hurt, the way they dropped points.”
HITC Verdict: Staying positive
In our view, Arsenal fans should not be too critical of Gabriel.
Yes, the defender can be rash at times and makes mistake on occasions, but a lot of other players do that.
The 25-year-old is still improving and developing as a footballer.
Now, Gabriel is not an ‘elite’ defender, but in the coming years, he could become one of the best in the world.
True, the defender needs to get better, but we must not forget that he has been a key figure for Arsenal this season.
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