Mohamed Salah’s Surprising Pick for the Best Defender He’s Ever Faced

 

In the high-stakes world of elite football, where every match is a battle of skill, speed, and strategy, few players have left as indelible a mark as Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian forward, renowned for his blistering pace, clinical finishing, and relentless work rate, has faced off against the world’s finest defenders throughout his illustrious career. From Real Madrid’s Sergio Ramos to Antonio Rüdiger, Salah has tested his mettle against the toughest in the game. Yet, in a revelation that has sent ripples through the footballing world, Salah has named an unexpected Arsenal defender as the best he has ever faced—not Jurrien Timber, not William Saliba, but Gabriel Magalhães.

Salah’s comments, made in the wake of a tightly contested Premier League clash, have sparked fervent discussion among fans and pundits alike. “I have played against top defenders like Sergio Ramos and Rüdiger before, but I must confess none can be compared to this guy,” Salah said. “The way he recovers the ball from players still amazes me.” The praise is no small feat for Gabriel, a Brazilian center-back who has quietly but steadily risen to prominence since joining Arsenal from Lille in 2020. At 27, Gabriel has become a cornerstone of Mikel Arteta’s defensive unit, blending physicality, anticipation, and composure to thwart even the most formidable attackers.

Gabriel’s journey to this point has been one of resilience. His early days at Arsenal were marked by scrutiny, with critics questioning his adaptation to the Premier League’s frenetic pace. Yet, under Arteta’s guidance, he has transformed into a defensive titan. This season, Gabriel has been a linchpin in Arsenal’s backline, contributing to their joint-best defensive record in the Premier League alongside Manchester City, with only 10 goals conceded in 18 matches as of April 2025. His partnership with Saliba has been lauded as one of the most formidable in Europe, but Salah’s comments suggest Gabriel’s individual brilliance stands out even among such elite company.

What makes Gabriel so special? For Salah, it’s his uncanny ability to recover possession. Statistics from the 2024/25 season underline this quality: Gabriel ranks among the top five Premier League defenders for recoveries per 90 minutes, averaging 7.2, according to Opta. His 1.8 interceptions per game place him in the upper echelon, and his 68% success rate in aerial duels showcases his dominance in the air. These numbers paint a picture of a defender who combines athleticism with acute game-reading ability, qualities that have evidently left an impression on Salah during their encounters.

Salah’s endorsement carries weight not only because of his status as one of football’s premier forwards but also due to the context of their matchups. In recent seasons, Arsenal have frustrated Liverpool, with Gabriel often tasked with containing Salah. A notable moment came in a 2-2 draw at Anfield in 2023, where Gabriel’s timely interventions denied Salah clear goal-scoring opportunities, earning plaudits for his tenacity. Social media posts from fans on X have echoed this sentiment, with one user noting, “Gabriel’s ability to stick with Salah’s runs is unreal. He’s like a shadow you can’t shake.” Another post highlighted a specific instance: “Salah thought he had Gabriel beaten in the box last season, but that recovery tackle was pure class.”

The timing of Salah’s praise is particularly significant as Arsenal prepare to face Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals on April 29 and May 6, 2025. Gabriel will be pivotal in neutralizing threats like Kylian Mbappé, a challenge that will test his credentials further. Meanwhile, Salah and Liverpool continue their pursuit of the Premier League title, with their next clash against Arsenal set to be a defining moment in the race. Gabriel’s performances in these high-profile fixtures could cement his reputation as not just Salah’s toughest opponent but one of the world’s elite defenders.

Beyond the stats and standout moments, Gabriel’s mental fortitude has also drawn admiration. Arteta has frequently praised his defender’s “relentless” attitude, a trait evident in his recovery from a red card against Manchester City earlier this season to deliver consistent displays. This resilience resonates with Salah’s own career arc, marked by overcoming setbacks to reach the pinnacle of the sport. Perhaps it’s this shared grit that has fostered mutual respect between the two.

As the football world digests Salah’s unexpected tribute, Gabriel remains focused on the task at hand. His journey from Lille to Arsenal’s defensive lynchpin is a testament to hard work and evolution, qualities that have now earned him the ultimate compliment from one of the game’s greats. For fans, the debate over the best defender in the world will rage on, but for Mohamed Salah, the answer is clear: Gabriel Magalhães is a cut above the rest.