06 December 2023 , 01:02
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Arsenal icon Thierry Henry has claimed that William Saliba is the “best defender” in the Premier League “by a mile”.
The Frenchman has been a key player for Mikel Arteta over the past couple of seasons. He has secured himself a spot in the heart of Arsenal ’s defence alongside Brazil star Gabriel Magalhaes.
The pair have since harnessed a brilliant defensive partnership, so much so that Henry believes that Saliba is now the best centre-back in the entire division. Speaking on Amazon Prime Sport, the Arsenal icon said: “Right now I think he [Saliba] is [the best], by a mile.
“The way he can defend a 1 v 1, the way he allows Arsenal to stay higher [up the pitch] and defend the 45-50 yards behind him is second to none. His speed, the way he recovers, and when he recovers the ball he doesn’t just kick it into the stands – he tries to get it back [to his teammates] which is important.
“I was working in France when he was on loan to Marseille [in 2021/22] and I was surprised that Arsenal didn’t keep him because I thought he was better than what we had. But he went on loan and he came back and he showed everybody that that was a mistake and now he’s now the best defender in the league.”
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Saliba, now 22, took a while to force his way into the side at the Emirates Stadium. He was signed from Saint Etienne in 2019 but was loaned back to the Ligue 1 side.
William Saliba has impressed a number of Arsenal icons (Getty Images)
The young defender was then sent to Nice and Marseille before finally being given a chance by Arteta last term. He has since gone on to make over 50 appearances for the North London side.
Henry is not the only former Arsenal star to predict big things of Saliba going forwards. Ray Parlour believes that he could surpass every defender in the world to become the best.
"William Saliba is currently the best young defender in the world and can go on to be the best defender in the world," Parlour explained. "He has everything to get better and better.
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"I remember Tony Adams when he was young – he might make quite a few mistakes, but he always seemed to rectify them. Saliba’s got his opportunity now and he's not let anybody down – Arsenal are very lucky to have him and he could become a club legend."
Saliba will next be in action this weekend as Arsenal attempt to secure another big away victory following their late success against Luton. The Gunners travel to Villa Park for a clash with Unai Emery ’s Aston Villa.
Even though the Spaniard was in charge at the Emirates when Saliba was signed, the defender never played under Emery before he was sacked.