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With Gabriel Paulista being given a green signal by Villareal and the Football Association, the Brazilian becomes Arsene Wenger’s second signing of the transfer window. Polish U-19 international, Krystian Bielik joined from Legia Warsaw, earlier this month.Frequent injuries to Laurent Koscielny, along with an over-dependence on Calum Chambers and Per Mertesacker has forced Arsenal into the transfer market. However, Paulista is somewhat of an unknown quantity to the Premier League world.Arsene Wenger seems to believe that he is the solution to their defensive problems. Wenger said that Paulista will “contribute significantly to the development of their game”. Gabriel signed for Villareal from Esporte Clube Vitoria in Brazil.After struggling in his first season, Paulista matured into a stable centre back over time. So, here are five things you probably didn’t know about him.
#1 Paulista-led Villareal defence have conceded just 17 goals this season
The ‘Yellow Submarine’ as Villareal is more popularly known have the second best defence in the league, after leaders Real Madrid. They have conceded 17 goals as compared to Madrid’s 16, just a goal behind the top defensive spot.
Their performances have seen them remain unbeaten for the past 15 league games and a lot of it is down to their tight defence. Statistics highlight the credibility of his performances as he won 57% of his duels, making nine successful defensive actions per game.
Paulista might be 24, but he comes with bundles of experience, having made his debut in the Brasileirao against Flamengo aged 19. His performances in the 2013 Campeonato Baiano also saw him win the best defender award.
#2 Paulista has started all 19 games for Villareal this season
Arsenal’s defence biggest problem this season has been injuries. Key players such as Laurent Koscielny and Mathieu Debuchy have missed important matches through-out the season. One aspect that this statistic does highlight is that the Brazilian is not injury-prone.
He’s not defensively shabby too, having conceded just 17 goals for the team. In his entire career at Villareal, he has made only three defensive mistakes, making him one of the most clinical defenders in the La Liga.
His style of play resembles Koscielny’s as he plays as the right-sided centre back. His main quality is breaking down an attack and initiating a counter attack. This shows in his successful pass percentage of 85 % as well.
Paulista’s ability and want to clear the ball will be a welcome change for a team that likes to pass the ball, at every opportunity. A no non-sense defender is what Arsene Wenger has been looking for.
#3 Never been capped by Brazil
The reason behind Paulista’s delayed work permit was his lack of national team representation. The 24-year old is yet to represent his country at any level, but good performances for Arsenal just might earn him his life-long dream of representing his country. He had to apply for the “special talent” visa to make it to the United Kingdom.
Paulista groomed his career at the Vitoria youth academy, far from the glitz and glamour of the Santos or Sao Paolo academies. His exit from Vitora saw them relegated back to the second division, after they finished 17th in the 2014 season. They enjoyed three successful seasons in the Brasileirao from 2010 -2013.
Vitoria clearly highlights Paulista’s impact on the team. When he was still with them, the club was growing every year. However, as he left for Villareal, the defensive line crumbled and conceded 54 goals. They had the third worst defence in the league.
If groomed for the English league properly, Paulista could become a mainstay in Arsene Wenger’s squad. His Brazil call is also not that far away as the country’s defence is not in the best of shape.
#4 Physical presence
As mentioned, Laurent Koscielny should be looking over his shoulder as Paulista will be immediate competition for his spot, beside Per Mertesacker in defence. At 61, both Kosicielny and Paulista are the same height, but what sets him apart is his pace.
His speed along with Mertesackers aerial ability should adhere to Arsene Wengers big-man and small-man central defence. Even for the fastest of strikers, it will be difficult for them to brush Paulista aside.
He will not be bullied as Paulista likes to get to the ball first. His willingness to win the ball translates itself into nine average defensive actions per game. Villareal Coach Marcelino did not want Paulista to leave, he said that the club had other concerns.
Marcelino said, From a sporting point of view its unfortunate, but neither the club nor the player could afford to resist Arsenals offer. I wish him the greatest professional success.
#5 Versatility
During his time with Vitoria in Brasil, Paulista often doubled-up as a full back, playing down the left hand side for an entire season. With Debuchy sidelined because of a dislocated shoulder, Paulista could potentially fill that space.
However, Arsene Wenger had made it clear that he was signed to play in the centre back position. His range of passing could help the team create attacks from defence, instead of relying on the likes of Alexis Sanchez to initiate them from midfield or attack.
