Arsenal hero Martin Keown insists Ben White and Gabriel don't need to be great friends to succeed as a defensive partnership.
Keown has been impressed by the pair's form.
He told The Sun: “You don't need to be best mates, especially as a lot of the time you are in competition with the guy next to you to keep your own place.
“I was very lucky to be part of some very successful partnerships and back fours at Arsenal.
“And as much as I enjoyed the banter and teamwork, I didn't really drink when I played, yet on the pitch we had an understanding.
“Tony and I were in the same youth team at the club so the bond went back many years, but you have got to have a skill set that compliments each other.
“The likes of Adams, Campbell, Steve Bould and David O'Leary were all a few inches taller than me so I preferred to be with someone who was better in the air.
“I then prided myself in being there for them when they messed up. That's what you need to have.
“And with White and Gabriel there is that real bond and togetherness blending now. They seem quite proud of their clean sheets. That develops over time on the pitch."
Need a VPN? Or seeking to switch? Then support Tribal Football by clicking here to sign up with our official partners NordVPN. Not only will you receive the best VPN experience, but also great discounts by signing up via Tribal Football. Thanks for your support!