Arsenal’s William Saliba picks BEST defender in the world amongst Virgil Van Dijk, Ruben Dias and Thiago Silva
William Saliba is the Premier League's best young center-back.
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William Saliba (via GOAL)
Arsenal defender, William Saliba has picked Manchester City‘s Ruben Dias as the current best defender in the world. Followed by Virgil Van Dijk and Thiago Silva as the top 3 picks.
Sky Sports asked Saliba to rank the players from first to third. After clarifying that the ranking is based on the current form, the French Defender made his choice. Saliba gave the following reasons for his choices. “Rúben Dias has been the best in the past 2 seasons.” For Van Dijk, “During the last four years, normally Van Dijk for me is the best.” Thiago Silva who places third would have been first if we take a look at their whole career.
William Saliba played his first full season for Arsenal in the 2022/23 season. The center-back made 27 appearances conceding only 25 goals and keeping 12 clean sheets. Arsenal boasts a solid 44% chance of keeping a clean sheet if William Saliba starts a game. The French defender also has an impressive disciplinary record with only 4 yellow cards in the Premier League all season. Already labeled a top center-back for Arsenal, William Saliba, only 22, still has time to make his name as the 3 defenders he ranked earlier, all of whom have won every trophy in club football.
The Gunners currently have conceded 4 goals in the league, 2 more than Manchester City. Mikel Arteta will be hoping that the numbers remain low as they go again for another title charge with William Saliba as their talisman at the back.
William Saliba’s impressive first season
When William Saliba got injured after their Europa League fixture against Sporting CP, Arsenal had a noticeable drop in form in their defense. Former Arsenal player, Cesc Fabregas has come out in praise for the young defender. He mentions watching Saliba play in the French League at 18-19 years old and by that time he was already the best player on the pitch.“He can be Arsenal’s defender for the next 15 years,” said the ex-midfielder. Rio Ferdinand was also in awe of the defender, “His composure is well beyond his years.”
Already part of the PFA Team of the Season in his first full season for Arsenal, the young center-back will be aiming for more performances similar to last season. His impressive first half of the season saw him called up for France National Team’s World Cup Squad, making his WC debut against group stage opponents Tunisia. His sole appearance in the World Cup, with Raphael Varane retiring, William Saliba will be hoping to make that center-back position his own. The defender has represented France at all youth levels from U-16s onwards.
With only 8 appearances for the senior team, the young defender will be hoping to bring more glory to France as their National Team goes through another Golden Era of players.
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Syed Talib Haider
(1039 Articles Published)