Gabriel believes that Rob Holding has a bright future ahead of him but, given his age, still needs to learn and grow.

• Holding signed for Arsenal from Bolton last summer for £2m
• He’s made 13 appearances (all comps) for Arsenal’s first team
• Gabriel rates 21-year-old highly but believes he still needs to grow

Holding, 21, has gone from warming Arsenal’s bench for most of the season, to playing full matches against both Manchester clubs over the past few weeks.

The former Bolton Wanderers centre-back has been been impressive despite his lack of experience, even coming close to scoring a header in Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Manchester City during their FA Cup semi-final clash at Wembley.

Fellow defender, Gabriel, who has shown improvement since Arsene Wenger switched up Arsenal’s formation to having just three at the back, believes that Holding has a bright future ahead of him but obviously still needs to learn.

“[Holding] is a young player and still has to learn and grow, but I think he will have a bright future,” Gabriel told Arsenal Player.

“He has already made a good contribution. He is a technical player, good with his head, has great passing skills and knows how to be in the right place during the game. Soon he will become more experienced. He has already shown what he can do.”

Holding has the makings of a brilliant defender and, with time, patience and focus, he should be able to get there.