Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has put together a superb squad that has challenged for the Premier League title two years in a row.
When Arteta took the Gunners reins in 2019, they were in mid-table and hadn’t even reached the top four for a couple of years.
Now, Arsenal are back at the top of English football and will be eager to kick on in the coming seasons.
One of the Gunners’ best players was signed before Arteta came in, but the Spaniard’s management of the player helped him reach the top.
The player in question is William Saliba, who Arsenal signed in the summer of 2019 but didn’t make his competitive debut until 2022.
Saliba needed some time to develop away from the Emirates Stadium, taking in a number of loan stints away until he was at the required level.
The 22-year-old hasn’t looked back since making his debut at the start of the 2022/23 campaign, and is now an integral player for his club.
Sky Sports‘ YouTube channel has posted a video of four Premier League stars set to compete at Euro 2024 and the Copa America, and Saliba made the cut.
What has been said about Arsenal defender William Saliba?
Arsenal legend Kolo Toure was one of those who praised the Frenchman, saying: “The strength that he has is his speed. He is such a rapid player.”
Meanwhile, Leandro Trossard said: “He gives that calmness to the team, especially in the backline, and his presence there is unbelievable.”
And fellow Arsenal centre-back Gabriel said of his teammate: “He is a player with many qualities.
“We work hard every day, and that’s what has given us results on the pitch.”
Arteta received a lot of criticism for how he seemingly stalled on throwing Saliba into the Arsenal fold when he still needed to get up to speed.
However, that decision has certainly been vindicated now. Saliba is key for the Gunners and he’ll look to impress for France at Euro 2024 too.