Following Arsenal's dominant 4-1 victory over Aston Villa, Jamie Carragher has singled out Arsenal's defender, Gabriel Magalhaes, as the Premier League's most influential player. Carragher's bold statement highlights the pivotal role the Brazilian center-back plays in Arsenal's impressive form this season.

Gabriel returned to the starting lineup for the Aston Villa match after a six-match injury layoff and marked his comeback with a goal, opening the scoring in what turned out to be a statement win for the Gunners. His performance not only solidified Arsenal's defense but also showcased his value in attack, particularly from set-pieces.

Speaking after Arsenal's 1-0 win against Crystal Palace, Carragher emphasized Gabriel's importance to the team's defensive solidity and overall performance. He noted that Gabriel's contributions extend beyond clean sheets, highlighting his threat in set-piece situations. Carragher went as far as to suggest that Gabriel's influence might even surpass that of Erling Haaland, a prolific goalscorer for Manchester City.

"I think you can make an argument that he could be seen as the most influential player in the Premier League right now," Carragher told Sky Sports. "When you think of the clean sheets and the defensive record Arsenal have and also his threat at set-pieces, he's as influential as anyone, maybe even Erling Haaland".

Gabriel's journey at Arsenal began in 2020 when he joined the club for £27 million. Since then, he has developed into a cornerstone of Mikel Arteta's squad, earning praise from pundits and fans alike. His commanding presence, leadership qualities, and defensive prowess have made him an indispensable asset to Arsenal's quest for silverware.

Nigel Reo-Coker, a former West Ham and Aston Villa midfielder, echoed Carragher's sentiments, emphasizing the significance of Arsenal's defensive evolution under Arteta. He highlighted the team's organization, strength in depth, and overall improvement, suggesting that Arsenal now possesses all the necessary ingredients for success.

Carragher further elaborated on Gabriel's leadership role within the team, asserting that he has surpassed William Saliba to become the true leader in Arsenal's defense. He described Gabriel as a "colossus at the back" who keeps Saliba in check and orchestrates the defensive line.

Carragher believes that Gabriel's all-around impact makes him a strong contender for the PFA Player of the Year award if Arsenal maintains their current trajectory and secures the Premier League title. He acknowledged the historical rarity of defenders winning the award, with Virgil van Dijk being the most recent example in 2018/19, but emphasized Gabriel's unique combination of defensive excellence, leadership, and attacking contribution.

"I think if Arsenal are to go on and win the Premier League, and I know it's early, he could be on course to go and win the PFA Player of the Year, or the player of the year from the football writers," Carragher said. "Because right now, there is nobody more influential for Arsenal Football Club".

Arsenal's strong start to the season, including a string of clean sheets and a comfortable lead in the Premier League standings, has been built on a solid defense, with Gabriel at its heart. His commanding performances have not only earned him individual accolades but have also solidified Arsenal's position as serious title contenders.