PSG vs Arsenal: Gabriel hails 'great' Brazilians Marquinhos and Thiago Silva before Champions League test

FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images
Standard Sport13 September 2016

Arsenal defender Gabriel has revealed that he admires Brazilian compatriots Thiago Silva and Marquinhos as the Gunners prepare to take on Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League tonight.

Silva and Marquinhos have both starred for PSG in recent seasons, forming part of a defence which has helped the capital club win the last four Ligue 1 titles in a row.

PSG have been frustrated in trying to build on their domestic dominance with Champions League glory, but hope to change that with new coach Unai Emery, who won the past two Europa League titles with Sevilla before switching to Paris this summer.

Gabriel is back in full training for the Gunners following a pre-season ankle injury against Manchester City, but is unlikely to line up against Silva and Marquinhos at the Parc des Princes on Tuesday night.

But that didn't stop the 25-year-old from hailing the PSG duo along with their team-mate and fellow Brazilian Maxwell, telling Arsenal Player: "[Silva] inspires me a lot, as he is a leader, and he has shown his leadership qualities on the pitch for all the clubs he's played for.

“I look for inspiration in players like him, who for me is one of the best players and one of the best defenders in the world.

“Who knows, one day I might reach his level, and also be one of the best defenders in the world. This is my aim.

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“I have spent time with Thiago Silva and Marquinhos in the Brazilian national team, and although I don't know [PSG defender] Maxwell personally I've seen him play.

“He is very experienced, a good player with good technique, and I think these Brazilian players are great.

“Marquinhos is a great young player with huge potential, you can see him improving every day, and now he's in the starting XI of the Brazilian national team, and he won the Olympic gold medal with Brazil.”

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