Michael Bridges has lauded William Saliba following his weekend performance against Manchester United and expressed his dismay at what has recently happened to the Arsenal star.
William Saliba was arguably the star of the show as Arsenal got across the line at Old Trafford to return to the top of the Premier League table, helping the Gunners keep yet another clean sheet.
Many were left amazed by Saliba’s performance. Saliba completed 21 more passes than any other Arsenal player against Erik ten Hag’s side, according to Whoscored.
Meanwhile, he also won three aerial duels, four tackles, and managed six clearances – double the amount of any other player on the pitch.
Michael Bridges stunned by William Saliba missing out on Player of the Season nomination
Oddly, the Frenchman was not one of those nominated for the Premier League Player of the Season award, with Virgil van Dijk proving to be the one centre-back in the running for the award.
Van Dijk has been superb for a lot of this season. But speaking on The Optus Sport Football Podcast, Michael Bridges suggested that he was baffled by van Dijk’s inclusion ahead of Saliba as he reacted to his performance on Sunday.
“Saliba, wow. What a player, the stats are through the roof,” he initially said.
“I’m not having that. I’m not having van Dijk in there this season, no chance,” he added when van Dijk’s nomination ahead of Saliba was put to him.
Remarkable stat shows how much better Arsenal defence has been than almost any other side
It is slightly bizarre that Arsenal’s defensive accomplishments have largely been ignored in the Player of the Season shortlist.
Declan Rice has made the cut, but he has been at his best as a slightly more advanced midfielder this season.
David Raya has won the Golden Glove, and Arsenal have conceded just 28 goals in 37 games so far this season, so there is an argument that Saliba or Gabriel Magalhaes deserved a spot on the list.
Every team outside of the top four – except Everton – has conceded more than double the number of goals Arsenal have let in this season.
And Saliba is surely the jewel in the crown that is the Arsenal defence.