During the opening match against Crystal Palace, won by the Gunners (0-2) . Named man of the match, the defender impressed the English consultants and his coach Mikel Arteta.

After years of waiting, William Saliba (21) has finally become an element that should prevail within the central hinge of Arsenal. Arrived at a golden price from Saint-Etienne in 2020, the defender saw his progress being hampered by a lack of playing time. In order to harden up, the Frenchman multiplied the loans to OGC Nice and to Marseille.

Having become a French international, it is full of confidence that Saliba returned to the Gunners. For the Premier League opener against Crystal Palace, the 21-year-old started alongside Gabriel and Ben White. Proof of his good performance, the former Saint-Etienne was named man of the match. With 67% of duels won, 6 clearances, 7 recoveries and accurate passes at 94%, Saliba did not miss the opportunity to take advantage of the chance offered by Mikel Arteta and probably secure his place in the starting lineup.

Arteta: “He’s ready”

The agreement between Arteta and Saliba has not always been good. In 2021 when he was loaned to Nice, the Frenchman regretted that the Spanish technician did not give him the opportunity to show that he had the ability to win at Arsenal:

“The coach judged me over two games and semi. I would have preferred that he still played me to get me into the rhythm, but no, he told me that I was not ready. I wish that he had given me a chance”,

Saliba said on RMC.

Today the situation is different and Arteta is inclined to rely on Saliba. After the success acquired this Friday (0-2), the Spaniard was clear and clear on the case of his player: “He has now proven that he is ready.” While praising the performance of the international: “You don’t really see someone 21 years old in the Premier League against physical opponents, with this composure, this calm and this presence.” Words further distancing Saliba from a return to Marseille.

“He reminded me of a young Rio Ferdinand”

It’s not just Arteta and Arsenal fans who were blown away by Saliba’s performance. At the microphone of Sky Sports , consultants and former defenders Jamie Carragher (Liverpool) and Gary Neville (Manchester United) greatly appreciated the solidity displayed by the Frenchman. So much so that the former Red Devils side made a very flattering comparison with a Man United legend:

“I was very impressed by Saliba. He made me think of a young Rio Ferdinand.”

Quite a praise given the career made by the English defender and the trace he left in the English championship. If Carragher did not lend himself to the game of comparisons, the former Reds finds that he was very good and honored his role. A good player for the future, especially since the World Cup is coming in the coming months.

Source: Sky Sports

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