Gabriel Magalhaes was sensational in Arsenal’s 1-0 victory over Burnley at Turf Moor which saw the club win an away match in the Premier League for the first time this season.
It was also the team’s first clean sheet away from home and the Brazilian defender had a major part to play in this.
Despite the defender not being the most popular name for the fans after the signing of £50m centre-back Ben White, Gabriel once again showed the leadership and qualities he possesses.
He gave fans a glimpse of what was to come with an outstanding display, along with Thomas Partey, in Arsenal's 1-0 away win to Manchester United last season, but that momentum quickly dissipated as he came in and out of the side towards the end of that campaign.
Arsenal have now been victorious in the last seven games that Gabriel has featured in, only conceding two goals which has also seen the club pick up five clean sheets in the process.
The 23-year-old is pivotal in the side and the match against Burnley highlighted this as Ben White who started alongside him struggled to stamp his authority in the game meaning the heavy load was on Gabriel to control the defence.
The presence of the Brazilian was clear to see, especially after his last ditch tackle on Ashley Barnes who looked a certainty to place the ball in the net.
The notion of the Gabriel being under the radar has evaporated now as that performance gave Arsenal fans a reminder that he is undoubtedly the best central defender at the club.
Gabriel was arguably the man of the match in the game against Burnley, providing ten clearances, two blocked shots and three tackles whilst being successful in eight duals against the Clarets’ attack.
This led to Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta heaping praise for the Brazilian as he said: "He understands what we want and I don't think it gets much harder than playing here in the Premier League. He was terrific today."
His leadership is crucial for the defence and this is proved by the club’s record without him, as in the last seven games where Gabriel hasn’t featured, the Gunners have only won once and managed to concede 15 goals in the process.
He was constantly seen orchestrating the backline and is certainly beginning to show the leadership qualities after being the player to listen to demands when playing alongside David Luiz last season.
Just like we saw in the last campaign, Gabriel has started the season excellently but now it is all about his consistency and maintaining his fitness throughout the rest of the year.
When it comes to influencing his teammates, exuding confidence throughout the squad, it could be argued that Gabriel is more effective than anyone in the squad bar Kieran Tierney.
Arsenal are a much better side with the Brazilian leading the team from the back, which again also begs the question, should Gabriel be the Gunners' next skipper?
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