Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer agree that Arsenal have ‘best in the world’ star, he only cost £27m
For years, Arsenal supporters dreamed of defensive stability rather than expecting it.
From chaotic afternoons defined by Mustafi errors and Sokratis firefighting, to now watching one of Europe’s most dominant defenders marshal the back line, the transformation has been extraordinary.
Gabriel’s return from injury against Aston Villa felt symbolic — calm, aggressive and decisive, capped with a goal in a 4-1 statement win. Lineker’s words didn’t feel reactionary. They felt overdue.
The Brazilian has been central to Arsenal becoming the Premier League’s best defensive side over the past three seasons.
Alongside William Saliba, he has helped turn the Gunners into a team built on control, dominance and resilience.
This is no longer a defence fans fear will implode — it’s one opponents actively dread facing.
Lineker says what many are thinking
Speaking on The Rest Is Football, Lineker didn’t hesitate when asked to name the best centre-half in the world.
“If you had to pick one centre half from world football, I think at the moment I would go Gabriel,” he said.
It was a bold statement, but one backed up by evidence rather than hype. Alan Shearer echoed the sentiment, highlighting Gabriel’s presence in both boxes.
His ability to dominate aerially, attack set pieces and defend them with equal authority is rare. It’s no coincidence that the ball “keeps landing on his head” — as Shearer put it — that’s anticipation, timing and bravery.
The numbers back it up
Since the start of the 2023/24 season, Arsenal have conceded fewer goals than any other Premier League side.
Gabriel, who Arsenal signed for £27 million from Lille in 2020, ranks among the league’s leaders for clearances, aerial duel success and defensive duels won.
He is also consistently among Arsenal’s top scorers from set pieces — a weapon in tight games where margins are fine.
Compare that to the Mustafi–Sokratis era, where Arsenal regularly shipped over 50 league goals per season and looked fragile defending crosses and transitions.
Back then, panic spread through the stadium with every ball into the box. Now, there’s confidence — because Gabriel attacks danger rather than reacts to it.
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What makes Gabriel special isn’t just his strength or aggression — it’s reliability. He sets the tone emotionally and physically, allowing Arsenal to play on the front foot. His partnership with Saliba has given Arteta the platform to build a title-winning side.
Lineker may have said it best, but Arsenal fans know it already. Gabriel hasn’t just improved the defence — he’s changed how it feels to support this team. And that alone puts him in a different category altogether.
