The manager of Arsenal stated of their defensive duo, "They speak a mix." Brazilian, English, and French. Even though I don't always understand, it's okay because they both seem to. They understand.
Saliba and Gabriel frequently display an instinctive grasp of where they need to be in relation to one another, which you can refer to as the language of defense. Whatever it is, it's working for Arsenal, and Arteta will be hoping it succeeds once more when his squad takes on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, the team's former captain, today.
Up until last weekend's hammering of Nottingham Forest, Saliba and Gabriel had started every league game for Arsenal this season and had participated in every minute of every game. Saliba was given the chance to rest his feet after 76 minutes with the score at 4-0 in preparation for the journey to Stamford Bridge to meet Chelsea.
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Lewis Dunk and Adam Webster of Brighton are the only other defensive duo in the Premier League to have started each game thus far.
Why does the relationship between Saliba and Gabriel work so well? Their physical advantage over their opponents accounts for a significant portion of it. Gabriel is a broad 6 feet 3 inches tall, with a chiseled neck. Saliba, on the other hand, is even bigger. He stands 6 feet 4 inches tall and moves remarkably quickly for a man of his size. Additionally, they work inside a well-developed system where everyone is aware of their responsibilities. Because positional familiarity is a cornerstone of Arteta's approach, both centre-backs are aware of each teammate's preferred passing angles and planned runs.
Their personal relationship is a little more difficult to measure. Gabriel's experience in France, where he spent three years playing for Lille, will undoubtedly have contributed to their friendship, but occasionally players may just click for no apparent reason. Their relationship has grown organically, according to Arteta. A personal connection exists. It's tangible.
"A relationship exists. With the attributes they each possess, I believe they complement one another better, and they have exhibited great consistency.
Gabriel is frequently the front-footed defender in terms of style. Despite being slightly smaller than the other player, he prefers to attack the ball in the air. While snatching up over-hit through balls from the opposition, Saliba, on the other hand, frequently uses his speed to sweep up behind the back line. Gabriel is 24 years old, but Saliba is still only 21.
Therefore, it is conceivable that these two players will serve as Arsenal's starting defensive duo for the better part of a decade. Gabriel is undoubtedly staying put; just last month, he signed a new, long-term contract, calling it "the greatest day of my life."
Arsenal hopes that Saliba and his agents can quickly reach an agreement on conditions for a new contract. They haven't exactly been spotless this season, of course. They are still developing as players, especially the center backs, and mistakes have been made.
Particularly Gabriel has a need for mayhem that hasn't yet been sated. Saliba has been less inconsistent, but there have been times when he has appeared his senior, most notably last month when Liverpool's Roberto Firmino outwitted him. Saliba raised his arm, Firmino entered from behind, and Arsenal gave up. The consistency that Gabriel and Saliba have offered overall, though, is something that most clubs could only hope for.
Take today's opposition for Arsenal. Thiago Silva, Trevoh Chalobah, Kalidou Koulibaly, Reece James, Cesar Azpilicueta, and Marc Cucurella are just a few of the players that have frequently entered and exited Chelsea's defense. Saliba and Gabriel enjoy a degree of protection that has aided in their adjustment thanks to the excellent Ben White to the right of Arsenal's center-backs (often tucking in to create a back three) and Thomas Partey sitting in front of them.
They will need all the assistance they can get to defeat Chelsea and a determined Aubameyang, but as a team, they are proving that they are more than up to the task.
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