Jamie Carragher Labels Arsenal Star Gabriel ‘Most Influential Player in the Premier League’ After Aston Villa Thrashing

Jamie Carragher has hailed Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhães as the most influential player in the Premier League, placing him even above Manchester City's Erling Haaland. This bold claim comes in the wake of Arsenal's dominant performance against Aston Villa, underscoring Gabriel's pivotal role in their title challenge.[1]

Gabriel delivered a commanding display at the back, anchoring Arsenal's defense with his aerial dominance, leadership, and consistency. His presence has been instrumental in the Gunners' extraordinary defensive record this season, including multiple clean sheets. Carragher highlighted not just Gabriel's defensive prowess but also his threat from set-pieces, noting how he nearly scored with a powerful header.[1]

“Yes. I think you can make an argument that Gabriel could be seen as the most influential player in the Premier League right now. When you think of the clean sheets and the defensive record Arsenal have, and also his threat at set-pieces. He’s as influential as anyone, maybe even Erling Haaland.”
— Jamie Carragher, via Metro[1]

Despite being an injury doubt, Gabriel recovered to start and shine, reinforcing his indispensability to Mikel Arteta's side. Since joining from Lille for £27 million in 2020, the Brazilian has evolved dramatically—eliminating errors, emerging as a leader, and forming a rock-solid partnership with William Saliba. This duo has become the cornerstone of Arsenal's resurgence, providing stability that fuels their push for silverware.[1]

Arsenal fans have long recognized Gabriel's influence extending beyond defense. Carragher's endorsement validates what many already knew: in a league dominated by attackers, a defender like Gabriel is redefining influence through sheer reliability and impact.[1][2]

(Word count: 298)