Former Arsenal striker Alan Smith believes summer signing Gabriel Magalhaes has been an "unsung hero" for the Gunners so far this season.
The Brazilian centre-back joined the Gunners from Ligue 1 club Lille back in August for a fee understood to be around £25million, as head coach Mikel Arteta looked to strengthen his central-defensive options.
So far this term, Gabriel, who scored on his debut for the club in the opening day 3-0 win over Fulham at Craven Cottage last month, has racked up six appearances in all competitions.
Though he has only, so far, helped the club record two clean sheets this season, signs of promise have been clear to see, with his speed and athleticism appearing as though they could be useful tools in years to come.
And whilst it is often attackers, such as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who lap up the plaudits, it is Gabriel who has been earning rave reviews from former Gunners ace Smith for his performances so far this term.
"I want to mention Gabriel, something of an unsung hero since arriving this summer," Smith said in his Evening Standard column, as cited by the Metro. "He is one of those central defenders you do not always notice, thanks to his positioning and anticipation.
"Because of that, he will often get his body in the way or head on the ball — something proper defenders always enjoy.
"A great athlete, he covers the ground beautifully, which should come in handy with Vardy around. And at 22, the Brazilian will only get better.
"The early signs suggest he will be around for a while."
For a time, Gabriel was Arsenal's most expensive addition of the window. But following the club's decision to make a last-gasp swoop for long-term target Thomas Partey on deadline day, the Ghana international became the club's stand-out signing of the summer, signing him for £45million.
Though Partey has only made two appearances for the Gunners so far, Smith has been impressed by what he has seen from the midfield ace, going as far as saying that he reminds him of former Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira.
Smith continued: "There was nothing sloppy about Thomas Partey, though [against Rapid Wien].
"He hardly put a foot wrong in a performance that showcased an impressive passing range that should encourage anyone in front to keep making runs.
"Holding midfielder? No, Partey is much more than that.
"He proved that emphatically with some incisive play that suggested a useful understanding could quickly develop with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
"Without wishing to get carried away, the way he bossed the game, Partey brought back memories of Patrick Vieira.
"For the first time since the majestic Frenchman’s time, the Gunners may now boast a dominant force in the middle of the park who can change a game as well as mix it physically."
