Brazilian footballer Gabriel Magalhaes, who plays for Arsenal, has recently made headlines following his impressive performance in the World Cup qualifiers against Peru. The 26-year-old defender started the match, showcasing his skills and solidifying his place in the Brazilian national team after being overlooked for years despite his strong performances at the club level.

In a dominant display, Brazil secured a convincing 4-0 victory over Peru, with Gabriel playing a crucial role in maintaining a clean sheet. This match marked a significant moment for the player, as he has become a regular fixture in the Brazilian defense, partnering with the experienced Marquinhos. Recent reports suggest that Gabriel has been outshining his PSG counterpart in recent games, further establishing his reputation on the international stage.

Brazil’s media outlets have begun to take notice of Gabriel’s contributions, providing their assessments of his performance against Peru. While he faced some criticism in Brazil’s earlier match of the international break for not being aggressive enough in his forward passing, his display against Peru was notably improved. Gabriel demonstrated his capability both in defensive duties and in transitioning the ball effectively.

Despite Brazil’s overwhelming control of the match, Gabriel was called upon to defend on a few occasions, and he handled these moments with composure. Various Brazilian media sources have rated his performance positively, often placing him on par with or even higher than Marquinhos. For instance, Correio Braziliense awarded Gabriel a rating of 6/10, praising his security in defense and his ability to facilitate play by passing effectively to the left. They noted his timely interventions that thwarted Peru’s attempts to attack, showcasing his tactical awareness.

Other outlets echoed similar sentiments. GE also rated Gabriel a 6/10, highlighting his reliability during aerial challenges and his straightforward approach to ball distribution. Jogada 10 gave him the same score, noting his increased involvement in defensive actions compared to Marquinhos, and praised his effectiveness in transitioning the ball out of defense.

Interestingly, Terra provided Gabriel with a slightly higher rating of 6.5/10, reflecting the growing recognition of his capabilities on the field. The shift in perception regarding Gabriel’s performance is significant, particularly as he has been overshadowed by his teammate William Saliba at Arsenal for a considerable time.

Since joining Arsenal in 2020, Gabriel has consistently improved and has become one of the club’s standout players. His contributions have often gone unnoticed, with many fans and analysts focusing more on Saliba’s performances. However, this season, Gabriel’s hard work and dedication have finally begun to receive the acknowledgment they deserve.

In the past, discussions about the best defenders in the Premier League frequently excluded Gabriel, with many viewing him as inferior to Saliba. This narrative is slowly changing as Gabriel continues to excel, proving himself as a top-tier centre-back in both the Premier League and international competitions.

The recognition from Brazilian media following the match against Peru is a testament to Gabriel’s progress and growing stature in the footballing world. His ability to perform under pressure and contribute to his team’s success has not gone unnoticed, and it appears that he is finally receiving the credit he has long deserved.

As Brazil prepares for future matches, fans and analysts alike will be keen to see how Gabriel continues to develop and whether he can solidify his position as a key player for the national team. With his recent performances, he has certainly made a strong case for himself as one of Brazil’s top defenders.