According to Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger, new Brazilian defender Gabriel Paulista has all the qualities needed to be a big hit in the Barclays Premier League.
The Frenchman admitted Arsenal were short on defensive cover, but although he believes it will take Gabriel time to settle, the Gunners boss insists the player has what it takes to become an integral part of the squad.
"He is a promising Brazilian defender. Just 24 years old and we got the work permit. He has good pace, is good in the challenge and is tall, so he can adapt to English football," Wenger told Arsenal Player.
"Maybe it will take some time to adapt completely, but overall it is very good to have him.
"This season he has played every game for Villarreal and we have seen him many times. We are convinced about his quality.
"He is very ambitious, focused and serious. That is important at a club like ours - you need to have a complete focus on your job. He has that.
"I like the players who come from nowhere and show they can adapt. From Brazil, he has (then) adapted to Spain. That means he has already made it and adapted in another country, and so that is another important quality."
"We needed some cover, or we would not be responsible," added Wenger.
"We needed another centre-back because we have lost (Mathieu) Debuchy. (Nacho) Monreal can play centre-back and we are a bit short there if something happens, especially with the Achilles (problem) of Koscielny since the start of the season.
"(Gabriel) can (also) play right-back and left-back, and that is of course a good quality as well."
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