Gabriel Magalhães, the Brazilian center-back, has rapidly become one of the most important defensive figures in the Premier League since joining Arsenal in 2020. Known for his strength, aerial ability, and composure under pressure, Gabriel has played a pivotal role in solidifying Arsenal’s defense. In this article, we take a closer look at Gabriel Magalhães’ stats, his growth at Arsenal, and what makes him one of the standout defenders in English football today.

Early Career and Development

Gabriel Magalhães was born on December 19, 1997, in São Paulo, Brazil. He began his professional career with the Brazilian club Avai, before moving to Lille OSC in France in 2017. It was at Lille that Gabriel truly started to make a name for himself. His impressive performances in Ligue 1 caught the attention of top European clubs, and in the summer of 2020, he made the move to the Premier League, signing for Arsenal.

During his time at Lille, Gabriel developed a reputation for his solid defensive attributes, including his ability to read the game and win duels in the air. His physicality, combined with his technical ability, made him one of the most highly regarded young center-backs in Europe.

Joining Arsenal: A Strong Start

Gabriel’s first season at Arsenal (2020/2021) was a breakthrough one. He quickly adapted to the pace and intensity of the Premier League and became a regular starter in Mikel Arteta’s defense. His performances in his debut season were impressive, as he formed a solid partnership with fellow center-back Rob Holding and helped Arsenal secure crucial clean sheets.

Gabriel Magalhães Stats at Arsenal

Gabriel’s statistical contributions at Arsenal reflect his growing influence in the team’s defense. Here are some key stats from his time at the club:

Appearances: Since joining Arsenal in 2020, Gabriel has made over 100 appearances in all competitions, including Premier League matches, FA Cup, and European competitions.

Goals: Gabriel has scored 10 goals for Arsenal as of the 2024/2025 season. His aerial ability is a key asset, with several of these goals coming from set-piece situations, showcasing his threat in the box.

Clean Sheets: As a central defender, one of Gabriel’s primary responsibilities is to help his team keep clean sheets. He has been a part of numerous defensive shutouts for Arsenal, contributing significantly to their solid defensive record.

Tackles and Interceptions: Gabriel averages more than 2 tackles and 1.5 interceptions per game, underlining his defensive capabilities and ability to break up opposition attacks.

Clearances: Gabriel regularly averages around 4 clearances per match, displaying his ability to deal with aerial threats and clear danger from set-pieces and crosses.

Pass Accuracy: Despite his primary role as a defender, Gabriel is also a competent ball player. He has maintained a pass accuracy of around 85%, reflecting his ability to distribute the ball effectively from the back.

International Career with Brazil

Gabriel Magalhães’ strong performances at the club level have also earned him a call-up to the Brazilian national team. His physical attributes, combined with his impressive defensive skills, have made him a key figure in Brazil’s defense. Although he made his debut in 2021, Gabriel’s international career is still in its early stages, but his future with the national team looks promising.

In his appearances for Brazil, Gabriel has showcased his ability to perform under pressure, contributing to Brazil’s defense during major international tournaments and qualifiers.

Gabriel Magalhães’ Playing Style

Gabriel is known for his commanding presence at the back. His physicality is one of his standout features—he stands at 6 feet 4 inches (1.93 meters) tall and uses his height and strength to dominate aerial duels. His ability to win headers, both defensively and offensively, makes him a significant threat during set pieces.

In addition to his aerial prowess, Gabriel is comfortable with the ball at his feet. He is confident in possession and can distribute the ball effectively, whether it’s short passes to midfield or long passes to switch play. His composure under pressure allows him to play out from the back, which aligns with Mikel Arteta’s tactical approach at Arsenal.

Defensively, Gabriel is highly focused on reading the game, making timely interceptions, and stepping in front of attackers. His ability to make critical tackles and clearances ensures he is a dependable figure in high-stress moments. Moreover, Gabriel is known for his leadership qualities on the pitch, often organizing the defense and providing vocal encouragement to his teammates.

The Future of Gabriel Magalhães at Arsenal

At just 27 years old, Gabriel is entering the prime years of his career, and his future at Arsenal looks incredibly bright. Having already established himself as one of the best defenders in the Premier League, Gabriel’s continued development will be crucial for Arsenal’s ambitions both domestically and in European competitions.

Arsenal will likely rely on Gabriel’s defensive stability as they challenge for the top spots in the Premier League, as well as in European competitions like the UEFA Europa League or the Champions League. His consistency, leadership, and defensive prowess will be pivotal for the club’s long-term success.

FAQs

How many goals has Gabriel Magalhães scored for Arsenal?

As of the 2024/2025 season, Gabriel Magalhães has scored 10 goals for Arsenal in all competitions. His aerial threat during set pieces is one of his strengths, contributing a significant portion of these goals from headers in the penalty box.

What is Gabriel Magalhães’ defensive contribution in terms of tackles and interceptions?

Gabriel’s defensive stats reflect his importance in the backline. On average, he makes more than 2 tackles per game and 1.5 interceptions. His ability to read the game and break up attacks has been key to his role at Arsenal, making him a strong presence at the heart of their defense.

How many clean sheets has Gabriel been part of at Arsenal?

Since joining Arsenal, Gabriel has played an integral part in securing clean sheets. His presence in central defense has helped Arsenal achieve numerous shutouts, contributing to the team’s improved defensive record over the years.

What is Gabriel Magalhães’ passing accuracy?

Gabriel is not only a strong defender but also a ball-playing center-back. His pass accuracy is around 85%, demonstrating his ability to distribute the ball effectively from the back. This makes him a key player in Arsenal’s build-up play, linking defense to attack with confidence.

To Conclude

Gabriel Magalhães has proven himself to be one of the standout defenders in the Premier League since his arrival at Arsenal. With his combination of physicality, technical ability, and leadership qualities, he has quickly become a crucial part of Mikel Arteta’s defensive setup. His stats reflect his growing influence, both at Arsenal and with the Brazilian national team. 

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