William Saliba hailed as Arsenal's answer to Virgil van Dijk by Gunners legend
William Saliba is Arsenal’s answer to Virgil van Dijk, according to David O’Leary.
Mikel Arteta ’s side are now the Premier League ’s top scorers after their 6-0 win at Sheffield United but they also have the meanest defence. The Gunners have conceded only three goals in their seven consecutive league wins this year.
And Arsenal legend O’Leary said: “Saliba is like Van Dijk when Van Dijk came to Liverpool. To me he will only get better - he is a Rolls Royce. “I think him and Gabriel are a partnership that is consistently as good as anybody in the Premier League. And what has brought them further on this year is the great Declan Rice sitting in front of them who has been awesome.
“That three there have been absolutely phenomenal. They are the backbone really. For the push now until the end of the season, it is vitally important that you don’t lose these three.”
The Gunners remain third but are just a point behind Manchester City and two behind leaders Liverpool with 11 matches remaining. Republic of Ireland star O’Leary, who made a record 722 appearances for Arsenal, told talkSPORT: “What Arsenal have not done over the last couple of years is over the last 10 games, where it really matters, is get over the line.
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“To qualify to play in the Champions League two years ago and finish the season off last season. This will be the challenge this year for the squad. Hopefully they have gained that experience to get it over the line.
“Goal difference could matter a great deal - that is why it has been so vital and the manager has said to the players: ‘Get as many goals as you can’.”
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 11: William Saliba of Arsenal FC celebrates with Gabriel Magalhaes after scoring opening goal during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Arsenal FC at London Stadium on February 11, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images) (Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images)Arsenal’s thrashing of Sheffield United on Monday night was their seventh straight Premier League win since a mid-season trip to Dubai. In the seven matches before heading to the United Arab Emirates, they had managed only three wins and were struggling to keep pace with Liverpool and City.
Rice admits: “I think it has been a hell of a comeback since the Christmas period, when we lost two in a row. I think there was a lot of talk when we had the winter break.
“We came back and that full week in Dubai was just full focus on Crystal Palace and winning that game, getting the momentum back swinging our way. Since we have had that game, we have really done that and we are looking really strong, really positive.”
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