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Arsenal ace Saliba is considered best defender in the world

By Ritayan Chatterjee on October 5, 2023

Arsenal star William Saliba is reportedly considered one of the best defenders in the world by the people within the football industry, as per Fabrizio Romano.

After moving to the Emirates Stadium back in 2019 from Saint-Etienne in a £27m deal, the 22-year-old initially struggled to break into the Gunners’ starting eleven.

The Frenchman was sent out on loan on several occasions to different Ligue 1 sides and it was even thought at one point that he might never get the opportunity to showcase his talent for the North London club.

However, the opportunity was presented by Mikel Arteta last term and the Spaniard opted to go with Saliba as his first-choice centre-back alongside Gabriel Magalhaes, pushing Ben White to the fullback position.

The Frenchman has taken full advantage of that opportunity and has now established himself as one of the integral parts of Arteta’s starting eleven.

The best in the world

Now, writing on Substack, Romano has said that Saliba is fantastic and he is a top player. The journalist further claims that the Frenchman is considered one of the best defenders in the world in the football industry and the North London club are very happy with him. Romano feels that Arsenal have done a masterpiece by tying the youngster down to a long-term deal.

Romano wrote:

“Saliba is fantastic. He was already shining at Marseille on loan, then last season and this season, amazing. He’s a top, top player. He’s considered one of the best centre backs in the world in the industry, and Arsenal are so happy with him. I think Arsenal did a masterpiece by extending his contract.”

Saliba’s importance in Arsenal’s starting eleven was apparent during the business end of last season as despite enjoying a stellar campaign last term, Arteta’s side failed to continue their momentum when the Frenchman wasn’t available for selection due to injury problems.

The Gunners fans will be hoping that the 22-year-old will be able to stay fit for a whole season and help the club achieve their lofty ambitions this term.

Meanwhile, following a disappointing 2-1 defeat against RC Lens in the Champions League, Arsenal will face off against title rival Manchester City in the Premier League this weekend. So, the Emirates club will be desperate to return to winning ways before entering the international break.