‘Strength and speed are keys to my game'

For many footballers, the Premier League’s pace and physicality takes some adjusting to, but there are others who relish the challenge.

One such player has been enjoying an extended run in the first team recently after capitalising on injuries to Hector Bellerin, Mathieu Debuchy and Shkodran Mustafi.

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Gabriel, now in his third season as a Gunner, has featured in each of our last six games in all competitions and says the regular football is helping him become an even better player.

“I have improved a lot, I really have,” he told Arsenal Player. “Every league has its own characteristics. In Brazil, it's more of a slow-paced game so I suffered a bit when I moved to Spain.

“It wasn't easy to adapt to a much faster game where you only have two touches on the ball, so I had some difficulties. But in Spain there isn't much physicality, that kind of a stronger game, like there is in the Premier League.

“Then I came to England and I think I've settled in quickly, maybe because strength and speed are two characteristics of my game. I’ve managed to adapt to this league, which is the best in the world for me.

“The opportunities are coming now,” Gabriel added. “Unfortunately, I had a chance because of Hector's and Mathieu’s injuries but I'm trying to make the most of my chances. Also, the team is doing well this year. We made the top spot in our group in the Champions League, which is very important.

“Inside this club, the happiness and the atmosphere is really good. It's like a family and that's the reason things are going well, we're playing well and winning matches. It's because of this, which is the most important thing for me.”