Forget Saliba, Ian Wright says Arsenal have another defender who’s almost as good as Gabriel Magalhaes
Gabriel Magalhaes has been a powerhouse at Arsenal this season, but one of his teammates is breathing down his neck.
Gabriel has arguably been Arsenal’s best player this season, acting not only as an extraordinary defender, but also as a goalscorer.
It’s hard to criticize the Brazilian who, alongside William Saliba, has formed one of the best central defensive partnerships in the world.
Although Saliba and Gabriel have been described as the best in the Premier League, Ian Wright has reason to believe another Arsenal defender could currently dominate the duo.
Ian Wright says Jurrien Timber is set to be the best defender in the Premier League
Arsenal’s record-breaking defense is blessed with incredible depth and quality, with all four starters earning their places this season.
Alongside Gabriel and Saliba are Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber, two full-backs currently doing sensational things for Arsenal.
On the Stick To Football podcast, Gary Neville and Wright were discussing who is the best defender in the Premier League right now.
“Best defender? Gabriel, you think?” Neville asked
The Arsenal legend responded by bringing Timber into the debate: “Timber pushes him close. Obviously Gabi scores the goals,” Wright said.
It’s been a truly sensational campaign so far for Timber, who Neville rates as one of the best in the world, let alone the Premier League.
Timber or Gabriel, Arsenal won’t care who is considered better, as the Gunners have them both at their disposal.
Erik ten Hag knows why Timber is such a good defender
Given how impeccable Timber have been this season, it’s so easy to forget that not too long ago the Dutchman was out for a year with an ACL injury.
After tearing his ACL during his Premier League debut, Timber had to fight his way back and instantly adapt to the English elite, which he did with ease.
Erik ten Hag, who coached Timber at Ajax before his move to Manchester United, knows what makes the 24-year-old so special.
Following Arsenal’s win over Real Madrid, Ten Hag described Timber as a “soldier”, pointing out that his proactive approach is what makes him so difficult to beat.
“Jurrien is a soldier. Ruthless, and he knows that in top-level football it’s ‘eat or be eaten’. That’s how he sees it. He’s proactive, he doesn’t wait.”
It’s a joy to have the Netherlands international in the team, who sets a benchmark for the rest of the Premier League.