Former Arsenal midfielder Gilberto has tipped Denilson, his successor in the heart of the Gunners’ midfield, to receive a call-up from the Brazil national team.
Denilson has been in solid form this season for Arsene Wenger’s side and has anchored the midfield in the absence of injured captain Cesc Fabregas. With consistently high statistics for completed passes and an eye for the odd goal, it is thought that he could eventually be as important to the Gunners as the now departed Mathieu Flamini.
Speaking after Brazil’s win against Italy at the Emirates, Gilberto made clear his admiration for the 21-year-old from Sao Paolo and his progress at Arsenal.
“I’m really pleased for him,” he remarked.
“I was sure that he could do very well in that position because I played alongside him a few times.
“Ever since he arrived I knew he would do a good job for the Club. I am sure Dunga [Brazil national coach] is watching him and hopefully he can join me in the Brazil squad soon.”
Gilberto made a name for himself as a solid enforcer during the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea when he replaced injured veteran Emerson in the heart of Luiz Felipe Scolari’s first XI. Brazil went on to win the tournament before Gilberto was signed by Arsene Wenger as a partner for Patrick Vieira at Highbury.
The ‘invisible wall’ as he was affectionately known, spent six years with the Gunners winning the Premier League once and the FA Cup twice, as well as being instrumental in the 49 game unbeaten streak which set a new English record. He moved to Panathinaikos in Greece at the start of the season for an undisclosed fee.