Arsenal star William Saliba had yet another outstanding campaign, and is now one of the best defenders in Europe.
Arsenal’s defence under Mikel Arteta was better than anyone in the Premier League this season, with just 29 goals conceded in 38 league games, and Saliba was a huge part of this.
His partnership with Gabriel Magalhaes is one of the very best around, and as an individual, Saliba brings superb quality both on the ball and as a pure defender.
Saliba is ranked higher in value than any other centre-back in the world, and the Frenchman has now claimed that he is indeed one of the best around in his position.
William Saliba claims he’s one of the top three centre-backs in the Premier League
Speaking to French outlet L’Equipe, Saliba was asked whether he believed he was one of the best three defenders in the Premier League, and he gave a confident response.
“I think I’m in the top three, yes. We finished with the best defence,” he stated.
“I watch a lot of matches. I’m a humble person, but last year, like this year, I’m in the top three best defenders. I still have work to go even higher: concentration, be really consistent throughout the season, with maybe only one or two games in the year I’m less well.
“On concentration, it’s much better. Before, I could do a top match and a little action, I slept a little bit. This is no longer the case. I always stay on alert.”
Arsenal’s William Saliba compared to Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk
Many believe that the three best centre-backs in the Premier League this season were Saliba, Gabriel and Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk.
The Dutchman has been outstanding for several years, both as a defender and as a leader, and Saliba has now praised him.
“I’m not the guy who talks a lot, but I’m talking more and more. I’m making progress on that. In defense at Arsenal, I’m one of the leaders,” Saliba stated about his own leadership qualities.
“Van Dijk has the aura, for example. It’s the boss, it controls everything. You feel like he’s scary the attackers. But I’m starting to feel the same way. I’m beginning to see that attackers feel fear.
“Sometimes, when the players are in your area, they don’t have fun. And when there’s a one-on-one and the player is going to pull back, pull out the ball, run away from the duel, it’s funny.”
Saliba and Gabriel are both at the top of their game, and Arsenal will hope that they can continue to blossom into one of the best centre-back partnerships the Premier League has seen.