Arsenal defender William Saliba has heaped praise on Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk while proclaiming his high level.
William Saliba has insisted that Virgil van Dijk is the best defender in the Premier League and that he is slowly getting to that level. The Arsenal mainstay feels that he is one of the top three defenders in the English top flight right now, and he has drawn comparisons with the Liverpool star.
Saliba said to L’Equipe, “[Virgil] Van Dijk has aura. He’s the boss. He commands everything. You can feel he’s scaring strikers away. And I’m starting to feel the same way. I think I am in the top three [defenders in the league]. We finished with the best defence. I watch a lot of matches. I am a very humble person but last season, just like this season, I am in the top three defenders.
“I need to continue to work to go even higher. In terms of concentration, I am a lot better. Before, I could play a top match but in one phase of play, I slept a bit. That is no longer the case. I am always on alert.”
There is no doubt that the 23-year-old has been outstanding for Arsenal this past season, and he has certainly established himself as one of their best players. The French international is only going to get better with coaching and experience. He is still quite young and there is plenty of room for development, while his progress has captured the attention of Real Madrid.
Arsenal will hope that Saliba can continue to improve in the coming seasons. He has all the tools to develop into a world-class player. There is no doubt that Virgil van Dijk is a world-class defender who has transformed Liverpool since his arrival.
Arsenal will be hoping that Saliba can have a similar impact at the north London club. The Dutch international defender helped Liverpool win the league title and the UEFA Champions League trophy. Arsenal will hope to do the same with Saliba at their disposal.
Saliba has been outstanding for Arsenal
Saliba has certainly helped them tighten up at the back, and his presence has helped Arsenal put together a rock solid backline. The Gunners were outstanding defensively this past season, and they will be disappointed to have missed out on the title in the end.
It will be interesting to see if they can make the necessary adjustments to their squad during the summer transfer window and return strongly next year. They will be one of the contenders to win the league title, and Saliba will certainly hope to guide his side over the line this time around.
The 23-year-old has shown maturity and leadership qualities along with his ability as a defender. He could easily develop into one of the leaders of the dressing room at Arsenal in the near future as well.
