Arsenal fans will be appreciating the refreshing honesty shown by Paul Scholes after the Manchester United legend made his Player of the Year choice clear.
The debate around the Premier League Player of the Year is picking up speed with many former players delivering their verdicts.
It was expected that Scholes would naturally favour Bruno Fernandes because of his strong club connections but the former midfielder instead chose to highlight the contributions made by Arsenal star Gabriel Magalhaes.
He said (via The Good, The Bad & The Football Podcast): “I would probably go with Gabriel. I think he has been Arsenal’s best player.
“People say Declan Rice – Brilliant player, but I don’t think he has done enough to win the Player of the Year.
“I think probably Bruno has been the best player but I get Nicky’s point of being at the top of the league.”
Gabriel is changing Arsenal’s mentality
While everyone is debating between Declan Rice and Bruno Fernandes, Scholes deserves credit for recognising the enormous impact Gabriel has made this campaign.
There is no denying that the Brazilian defender has also benefited from a few huge moments going his way during the season.
The biggest example is when he was lucky not to see a red card for his headbutt against Erling Haaland.
However, none of that should distract from the fact that Gabriel has been one of the driving forces behind Arsenal’s title challenge.
His heroic late block to deny Callum Wilson a clear sight of goal against David Raya in the 94th minute felt every bit as important as scoring a dramatic winner.
Gabriel plays with aggression, emotion and relentless intensity every single week.
Opposition fans may dislike some of his antics, but Arsenal supporters will absolutely love the warrior mentality he brings to the backline.
That fighting spirit has helped transform Arsenal into genuine title contenders once again under Mikel Arteta.
Gabriel fully deserves to be mentioned in the same elite conversation as Rice in the race for the Player of the Year award.
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