Steve Nicol has suggested that one Arsenal player has been the world’s best in his position, claiming that he would put him ahead of one Real Madrid star.
Arsenal, of course, has been absolutely outstanding over the last couple of years, coming agonisingly close to winning the Premier League title on two occasions. And you would not be surprised to see Mikel Arteta’s men contend again next year.
The Gunners had the best defensive record in the division this past season, conceding just 29 goals in 38 games. David Raya won the Golden Glove for the most clean sheets.
It is no coincidence to many that Arsenal’s charge towards becoming title contenders came following William Saliba‘s long-awaited debut for the club.
William Saliba named the best defender in the world
There was huge excitement about Saliba following his £27 million move to the Emirates. And he has managed to live up to expectations, with Nicol picking out the Frenchman when asked on ESPN who the best defender in the world is right now.
“I’m trying to think of who’s been better than Saliba. Saliba, for me, has played with a cigar in his mouth the whole season,” he said.
“Yes, I wouldn’t disagree with [Antonio] Rudiger. Would you play him before Saliba though? I don’t think so, no I think I’ll go with Saliba. I don’t remember him making a mistake, I remember him making clearances, being in great positions. I can see him recovering for people around him.”
How much Arsenal defender is now worth
The scary thing about Saliba is that he only turned 23 in March, so there is scope for him to improve even further in the coming years, particularly as the side improve around him.
Obviously, there is absolutely no chance of Arsenal considering any bids for Saliba anytime in the next few years, and you would imagine that there is unlikely to be anywhere the youngster would rather be.
But if they did cash in, Arsenal could look at a huge sum. It has been suggested that Saliba is now worth £150 million, and some Gunners fans would probably not even take that for him.
Certainly, it is hard to argue with the suggestion that Saliba is the best in the world right now in his position.