Gabriel is glad Bukayo Saka is on his side when it matters (Picture: Getty Images)
Gabriel says Bukayo Saka is the trickiest teammate he has to deal with in Arsenal training, saying the winger leaves his ‘head in trouble’ when he has to face him.
Saka has been in brilliant form this season for the Gunners, and again for England as he showed on Sunday night with a superb goal in the win over Ukraine.
The 21-year-old has netted 13 times in all competitions for Arsenal and has been an integral part of their push for an unlikely Premier League title as they sit top of the table.
Brazilian defender Gabriel says it is not just opponents that Saka is giving nightmares, with the young superstar proving difficult to deal with on the training pitch.
Asked for the trickiest teammate to handle, Gabriel told Premier League Uncut: ‘For me, he’s had the best moment. He’s so good. If I’m the defender who plays against him, my head is in trouble. Because he’s so hard, too strong 1v1.
‘He helps the team a lot and you see this season and last season, he’s so good.’
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England boss Gareth Southgate was full of praise for Saka after his stunning second in the 2-0 win over Ukraine, saying he has become far more ruthless in front of goal of late.
‘When he’s in front of goal now he plays with real belief, that’s evident with his club and the games with us. You’re expecting him to score now when he goes through,’ said the England boss.
‘I think that’s been a mentality shift as much as anything technical, he’s always had the techniques.
‘He knows to be a really top wide player then you need the numbers of goals and assists, he’s without a doubt delivered that this season.’
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‘If I’m the defender who plays against him, my head is in trouble.’