Gabriel Magalhaes has been hailed as ‘one of the best centre-backs in the world’ after his heroics in Arsenal’s Champions League victory over Atletico Madrid.

The Brazilian defender scored his side’s opener and made the assist for the fourth goal as Arsenal brushed aside Atletico at the Emirates Stadium.

Gabriel has become an unlikely source of goals for an Arsenal side that have almost perfected set-piece routines, scoring seven times since the start of last season.

While his threat in the final third is a welcome bonus, Gabriel’s main job is to keep goals out at the other end and he is also doing that with aplomb in an Arsenal team that have not conceded in their last four games.

Mikel Arteta’s side have in fact conceded just three goals in 12 games so far this season and Gabriel is integral to that defensive solidity.

Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro’s Football Newsletter.

Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link we’ll send you so we can get football news tailored to you.

Arsenal only spent £27m to sign Gabriel...