Pep may already be brewing his own Gabriel & Saliba at Man City

Manchester City have dominated the Premier League for the best part of a decade, securing six titles in the last ten seasons, including a phenomenal four consecutive titles, from 2020-2024.

One area the Citizens have struggled in this season, however, is in the defensive department, conceding 40 goals already this term in their 29 games played, which is the same number of goals conceded as rivals Manchester United, who sit 13th in the league.

Rodri being out injured has played a huge factor in this, losing their protection in front of the defensive line, but the decline of Kyle Walker mixed with injuries to the likes of John Stones and Nathan Ake has left City light at the back at points this campaign.

Meanwhile, last season’s runners-up – Arsenal – have conceded the fewest goals in the Premier League this season, after also conceding the fewest in the league last term, showing their defensive quality over the past few years.

Arsenal’s centre-back pairing

The Gunners had the best defensive record in the Premier League in the 2023/24 campaign, conceding just 29 goals in their 38 games played, averaging 8.5 shots conceded per game (2nd in the division) and finishing as the league runners-up.

Gabriel-Saliba-Arsenal-Premier-League-Chelsea

So far this season, Arsenal have conceded 24 times in 29 games, again making them the most resolute defensive side in the league.

Much of this comes down to their rock-solid base in defence, with William Saliba and Gabriel, the French international making 27 appearances in the league this season, whilst the Brazilian international has also made 27 appearances in the league.

William Saliba vs Gabriel comparison
Stats (per 90 mins)	Saliba	Gabriel
Goals + Assists	0.05	0.16
Progressive Carries	0.42	0.37
Progressive Passes	4.05	4.57
Passes Attempted	70.6	62.8
Pass Completion %	93.4%	90.3%
Tackles	1.89	0.86
Blocks	0.72	1.49
Interceptions	0.79	0.57
Aerial Duels Won	1.74	2.26
Stats taken from FBref

Comparing the two defenders’ underlying metrics this term, you can see how well they balance each other out, Gabriel offering more aerial prowess and box-defending traits to make blocks, whilst Saliba has a better recovery pace to make tackles and be progressive via carrying.

Manchester City spent a good deal of money in the January transfer window, and Pep could now have his very own answer to the Saliba and Gabriel partnership, with his new £63.4m duo.

Manchester City’s own Gabriel & Saliba

In the January 2025 transfer window, Manchester City spent £33.8m on Lens starlet, Abdukodir Khusanov, whilst also paying around £29.6m for Palmeiras defender, Vitor Reis.

The former being 21 years old and the latter being 19 years old, gives City a new defensive foundation that could last a decade.

Much like Gabriel and Saliba too, Reis and Khusanov have traits to balance each other out, with Khusanov being more aggressive, having much more recovery speed and therefore being more involved in duels.

Indeed, the ex-Lens man has won 64% of his aerial duels in the Premier League so far, while averaging 4.5 ball recoveries per game, as per Sofascore.

Whereas, Reis provides more aerial ability and calmness on the ball, aiding Manchester City in their possession-based approach, with the South American starlet ranking in the top 15% of his peers for pass completion, across the last 365 days, as per FBref.

Khusanov has been given a quicker platform into Guardiola’s side, already making eight appearances for the club and scoring one goal. His blistering speed and tenacity to engage in duels has earned the 21-year-old high praise from Julien Laurens, labelling the young defender as “outstanding”.

Reis has only made two appearances for the first team since his arrival, but due to the teenager coming from the Brazilian League, Guardiola is likely looking to integrate Reis in a slower, more methodical manner, with the view of forming his very own Gabriel and Saliba in the years to come.