Declan Rice acknowledges his pleasant surprise with the performance of his teammate, Gabriel Magalhaes’ performance since joining Arsenal, expressing admiration for the defender’s aggression and mentality.
Having made a switch to the Gunners from West Ham last summer in a hefty £105 million deal, Rice seamlessly integrated into Arsenal’s midfield. However, he attributes part of his smooth transition to the solid displays of Arsenal’s primary center-back duo, William Saliba and Gabriel.
In a pre-match interview ahead of Arsenal’s 4-1 victory over Newcastle on Saturday, Rice shared his thoughts with TNT Sports, praising Saliba and Gabriel. He emphasized his high regard for both players, highlighting Saliba’s exceptional talent, which he had heard about prior to joining Arsenal. Nevertheless, Rice revealed that it was Gabriel who truly impressed him.
Describing Gabriel’s playing style as aggressive and resilient, Rice commended the Brazilian’s unwavering determination and consistency in winning duels. He emphasized the positive impact of having two assertive center-backs like Saliba and Gabriel, noting how their aggressive approach and competitive spirit instill confidence throughout the team.
