Former Arsenal midfielder Gilberto Silva believes his old employer has got what it takes to hand European and German champions Bayern Munich a shock exit out of the Champions League quarter-final.
The ‘Gunners’ face the Bavarians in the last 16 of the competition in February and Gilberto, whose present club Atletico Mineiro lost out of the ongoing FIFA Club World Cup to Moroccan champions Raja Casablanca on Wednesday, believes Arsenal could use their underdog status to an advantage in that encounter.
“I remember how everyone said Barcelona would win, but Bayern did a very good job and went through,” Silva told the Independent.
“Arsenal are having a very good season and they have the quality to progress to the next stage.”
The 37-year-old World Cup winner, who was part of the 2003/04 ‘Invincible’ and won two FA Cup trophies, feels the North London club has beefed up its squad with recent signings while also maintaining a youth setup that allows for continuous growth.
“Because Arsenal are a young team they are always getting stronger and stronger,” he added.
“They have brought in players with the quality to make a difference on their own and for the team as a whole.”
