Thiago Silva is one of the best - Gabriel

Arsenal defender Gabriel Paulista has hailed his Paris Saint-
Germain counterpart Thiago Silva as the best in the world.

Former Brazil captain Thiago Silva has been left out of all
three Brazil squads since their Copa America quarter-final
exit to Paraguay last summer.

The 31-year-old's exclusion has prompted speculation that
his international career may have come to a premature end.

But Gabriel has backed the PSG man, who is hoping to
return to the squad for March’s World Cup qualifiers against
Uruguay and Paraguay after being named in the Fifa FIFPRO
World XI for the third consecutive year.

“My opinion is still the same. Technically, Thiago Silva is
one of the best in the world,” Gabriel Paulista told Goal .

Though yet to make his international debut, 25-year-old
Gabriel has twice been called up for his country since coach
Dunga took charge in July 2014.

And the 25-year-old says his inclusions have proved a huge
boost to his confidence, adding: “I just have words to thank
Dunga for the confidence he has shown in me and my work.

“If he's calling me, it's a sign that I have the qualities to
represent my country. That gives me the motivation to work
even harder for my club.”