EPL: He has become real leader – Micah Richards hails Arsenal star

Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards has reserved special praise for Gabriel Magalhaes for his recent performance against Pep Guardiola’s side in the Premier League on Sunday.

According to Richards, Gabriel should be given credit for stepping up as a leader in the Gunners’ back four, aside from William Saliba who won the Player of the Match award for his defensive efforts.

He believes the Brazilian has improved so much and has become an essential part of Mikel Arteta’s defensive setup.

Recall that Arsenal kept a clean sheet against Man City, allowing only one shot on target in a top-of-the-table clash that ended in a goalless draw at Etihad Stadium.

Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, Richards said:

“We’ve got to give credit to Gabriel. Saliba got Man of the Match and I think there was talk about Saliba and how well he is done.

“But Gabriel has improved so much as well, and become a real leader of that back four. He really has.”