Former Spurs star Sandro picks Gabriel Magalhaes in his all-time Brazilian Premier League XI

Former Spurs midfielder Sandro picked Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes in his all-time Brazilian Premier League XI.

Gabriel has developed into one of the world’s best central defenders, and he played a big part in the Gunners ending their 22-year wait for the Premier League title last term.

The Brazilian has continued to excel at the heart of the Gunners’ defence this campaign, despite adapting to different partners during William Saliba’s ongoing injury absence.

Sandro was asked to pick his all-time Brazilian Premier League XI.

He initially selected David Luiz and Thiago Silva in his back three and went on to include Gabriel, describing him as a winner.

He said: “As a defender, I would pick Gabriel. Wow, he’s a winner.”

Gabriel has proved a brilliant acquisition for Arsenal since his £23 million move from Lille six years ago.

The 28-year-old made notable defensive errors early in his career, but he has become a hugely consistent performer in the last few campaigns under manager Mikel Arteta.

Gabriel has generally partnered Saliba in central defence since the start of the 2022/23 season, but this term he has faced a different challenge with the Frenchman’s back injury.

Cristhian Mosquera initially accompanied the Brazilian before his ankle issue. Summer signing Ezri Konsa has since taken over the mantle, building a strong centre-back partnership.

Barring the Brighton & Hove Albion defeat, Gabriel and Konsa have been a fantastic pairing. They were superb defensively in a slender 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest last weekend.

Gabriel won nine duels with three recoveries. Konsa, meanwhile, won five duels with eight recoveries. The latter made a brilliant stoppage-time tackle to deny Liam Delap a potential equaliser.

Arsenal take on German champions Bayern Munich on the road in tomorrow’s much-awaited Champions League encounter. The duo face a much bigger challenge at the Allianz Arena.