Arsenal’s player is regarded as the best in the world right now.

Gary Lineker asserts that Arsenal’s center-back, Gabriel Magalhaes, is currently the best player in the world in his position following an impressive run of form with the Gunners early this season.

Arsenal is experiencing its most glorious period under Mikel Arteta. The London club is soaring in both the Premier League and Champions League, and one of the key figures behind this strength is Gabriel Magalhaes, who was recently praised by legend Gary Lineker as the best center-back in the world today.

Gary Lineker, former England striker and now a renowned commentator, offered special praise for Gabriel after Arsenal’s victory over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League. On the show The Rest is Football, he said:

“Arsenal’s first goal came from Gabriel, and we were debating in our group chat where he ranks among the world’s top center-backs. In my opinion, he’s at the very top.

Gabriel may not be the smoothest player on the ball, but in terms of defending, speed, strength, and influence at both ends of the pitch, it’s hard to find anyone better than him.”

Lineker also emphasized that Gabriel represents a modern center-back while maintaining an “old-school” spirit—fierce, brave, and always willing to give his all for the team. “When it comes to true defensive ability, Gabriel is number one,” he affirmed.

Alongside Gabriel, his defensive partner William Saliba is also considered one of the best young center-backs in the world. This duo has played together for three consecutive seasons, forming the foundation that helps Arsenal maintain their top-level performance.

The 2024/25 season has seen Arsenal play with tightness, discipline, and frightening efficiency. After 12 matches, the Gunners have kept nine clean sheets, an impressive statistic reflecting the defense’s solidity. At the heart of this system is Gabriel, who has reached peak form since joining Emirates from Lille in 2020.

Not only outstanding defensively, the Brazilian center-back also leaves his mark offensively. So far, he has scored 2 goals and provided 2 assists, more than any other center-back in Europe’s top five leagues. This all-around ability has led many experts to believe Gabriel might be Arteta’s most successful signing since he took charge of Arsenal.

Currently, many experts agree with Lineker that Gabriel Magalhaes is the world’s number one center-back. For Arsenal, having the pair Gabriel and Saliba is like a “steel wall” that fuels their dreams of winning the Premier League title for the first time in over two decades.