Gilbert

Biodata

Feature	Value
Name	Gilbert (吉伯特)
Alias(es)	Arsenal Two Little Blessings; Arsenal Two Cudgelers 44 114
Gender	Male
Affiliation	Arsenal F.C.; formerly Sheffield United and Bournemouth on loan 19 115 125
Occupation/Role	Professional footballer; former Arsenal U17 captain and No. 10 5
Status	Active
First Appearance	Chapter 5

Background / History

Gilbert spent five years in Arsenal's youth academy and served as captain of the Arsenal U17s. During the Liverpool U17 friendly, he scored while Arsenal were trailing, reinforcing his importance as the side's captain. 5 10

He and Maël moved into a shared apartment in Sheffield before joining Sheffield United. Gilbert was eager to earn appearances at Bramall Lane and committed himself to Maël's demanding extra-training routine, particularly heading practice and one-on-one defensive work. 17 18

At Sheffield United, Gilbert initially struggled to establish himself, but developed into a meaningful contributor under Gareth Speed. He scored decisive goals, including a winning goal during the club's early September revival and a stoppage-time diving-header equalizer against Leicester City. 44 63 His performances helped Sheffield United win the Championship, and he later reflected on the achievement during the club's title parade. 107

After returning to Arsenal to sign a new contract, Gilbert found the gap between Championship football and Arsenal's first team daunting. Rather than remain on the bench, he chose another loan spell to gain regular high-level match experience, first leaving for Bournemouth and later returning to Sheffield United. 84 111 114 115 125

During his time away, he deliberately remade himself from a primarily technical midfielder into a more complete player with defensive toughness. His performances earned him a place on the Golden Boy shortlist, where he was ranked 16th with a €15 million valuation. 165 183

Gilbert eventually returned to Arsenal's first team. He registered an assist in a preseason match, scored his first Arsenal goal in the Community Shield against Chelsea, and became part of the midfield rotation. 244 248 280

Personality

Gilbert is earnest, competitive, and highly receptive to improvement. Although he initially calls defending his weak point, he willingly becomes Maël's training partner and studies how to tackle, read play, and improve his physical game. 18 47 125

He has a fiery temper when provoked. He retaliated verbally after Michael Brown headbutted him, then later received a red card for a dangerous scissor tackle on Brown. 45 48 He also refuses to be intimidated by Fabregas or Rooney, even when confronting far more established players. 114 281

Despite occasional envy over Maël's rapid rise, Gilbert is deeply loyal to him. He celebrates Maël's achievements enthusiastically, protects him during confrontations, and consistently frames his own ambitions around one day fighting beside him for Arsenal. 39 48 115 199

Abilities & Skills

Aerial Ability

Gilbert developed into a reliable target in the air through repeated heading drills with Maël.

• Learned to read the landing point of crosses by studying Maël's posture and foot shape. 17
• Scored an equalizer in Sheffield United's intra-squad match by attacking the ball effectively. 21
• Scored Sheffield United's stoppage-time equalizer against Leicester City with a diving header. 63

Ball Carrying and Forward Progression

At Arsenal youth level, Gilbert was known for his ability to drive forward with the ball.

• Broke through Doncaster's defensive line with a burst of pace after choosing to attack rather than play safe in stoppage time. 57
• Became more confident in his passing and game-reading through shared video analysis with Maël. 47
• Registered 9 goals and 5 assists during his Sheffield United season, showing that he could contribute as a starter in the Championship. 111

Defensive Midfield Development

Gilbert consciously worked to add defensive intensity to his technical base.

• Trained one-on-one defending and tackling with Maël, despite regarding it as a weak point. 18
• Studied defensive technique, awareness, and physical power with the aim of developing toward Vieira's style. 125
• Shifted his focus toward tackles and defensive toughness to improve his chances of succeeding at Arsenal. 183
• Operated as a right central midfielder beside Arteta, forming part of a double pivot and aggressively breaking up opposition attacks. 248

Speed

Gilbert's recorded top speed at Sheffield United's training base was 19.9 mph (approximately 32 km/h). 110

Relationships

• Maël — Best friend, former roommate, training partner, and long-term teammate. They joined Sheffield United together, trained daily, and repeatedly supported one another through loans, conflicts, and Arsenal returns. 17 48 115 248
• Arsène Wenger — Arsenal manager who followed Gilbert's progress and considered a return possible if he strengthened physically. 145
• Hans — Gilbert's former Arsenal youth coach, who coached him for five years and witnessed his development into a professional. 84
• Gareth Speed — Sheffield United manager who gave Gilbert opportunities and oversaw his growth during the Championship campaign. 34 44
• Fabregas — Bitter rival after Fabregas mocked and headbutted Gilbert during Arsenal training; Gilbert later named surpassing him as a personal goal. 114
• Isabella — Mutual friend of Gilbert and Maël; she accompanied Gilbert to support Maël in the Champions League. 143 145
• Robin van Persie — One of Gilbert's idols; Gilbert was especially eager to meet him upon reporting to Arsenal's first team. 111 112
• Mikel Arteta — Midfield partner at Arsenal, with whom Gilbert formed a complementary double pivot. 248

Story Role / Major Arcs

Arsenal U17 Captain

Gilbert leads Arsenal's youth side as its No. 10 captain and scores against Liverpool U17 during a difficult match. 5 10

Sheffield United Loan

He moves to Sheffield with Maël, commits to extra training, fights for selection, and becomes part of Gareth Speed's rebuilding project. His goals and improved aerial play help establish him as one of Sheffield United's young “Little Blessings.” 17 44 63

Championship Winner

Gilbert contributes to Sheffield United's promotion-winning campaign and celebrates the Championship title alongside Maël during the club parade. 107

Loan Decision and Personal Ambition

After struggling to match Arsenal's established first-team players, Gilbert chooses further loan football over remaining a reserve. He vows to return as a player capable of fighting alongside Maël at Arsenal. 111 114 115

Arsenal Return

Gilbert returns as a more defensively capable midfielder, earns first-team opportunities, and fulfills his longstanding goal of scoring for Arsenal in the Community Shield. 183 244 248

Old Trafford Opportunity

Arteta's injury gives Gilbert a high-pressure start against Manchester United. He competes fiercely but is controversially sent off for a second yellow card after the referee rules that he dived in the penalty area. 281 283

Notable Quotes

“A player who can stay here and fight side by side with you at Arsenal.” 115

“I need lots of match opportunities, and I need the tempering of high-level games!” 114

Trivia

• Gilbert enters the pitch with his left foot first, touches the ground with his right hand, and makes the sign of the cross. 17
• His Transfermarkt value was once listed at €3.5 million, compared with Maël's €8 million. 50
• Gilbert was ranked 16th on the Golden Boy shortlist with a stated valuation of €15 million. 165