Robbie Mustoe claimed William Saliba is looking like the best centre-back in the Premier League, especially after the Manchester City display. Arsenal fans must get some credit for their constant backing of their PS27 million star William Saliba even when he was not playing. Since signing for the club from Saint-Etienne in 2019, it has taken three years for the French centre-back to make his competitive debut for the Gunners, which came against Crystal Palace last season.
He has not looked back ever since, with Saliba himself admitting Arsenal might have won the Premier League last season had he stayed fit in the latter part of the campaign. The Frenchman suffered a back injury in a Europa League game against Sporting CP and never recovered to play again in that season.
With the Frenchman, signed for PS27 million from Saint-Etienne, back fit and partnering Gabriel Magalhaes again, he seems even better in his defensive role for the Gunners. Saliba has helped Arsenal maintain an unbeaten start to the season and put in a stellar display in their win over Manchester City on Sunday.
Saliba and Gabriel did not allow Erling Haaland a sniff at the goal and did that in consecutive games against the Norwegian striker. The first one came at the Community Shield, which the Gunners won via a penalty shootout.
Erling Haaland has been outplayed by Arsenal's centre-back pairing this season pic.twitter.com/Dmo7vzvqjD
- ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) October 9, 2023
No player has dribbled past Saliba this season in the Premier League, and he has only committed two fouls in that period. He continues to put in top performances for a centre-back, and with each passing game, Arsenal agreeing a four-year deal seems like their best piece of business during the summer after the signing of Declan Rice.
Pundit Robbie Mustoe of the 2 Robbies Podcast has now claimed Saliba is the best centre-back in the Premier League, and he might have a point about this statement. Mustoe Said, "I'm struggling. I'm just thinking of a better centre-back in the Premier League right now than William Saliba. I don't know whether there's one. Van Dijk will be mentioned by some. Saliba's coming on unbelievably well."
Mustoe is not alone in sharing this view, as recently, Rio Ferdinand claimed he would take Saliba instead of Lisandro Martinez if he had the choice. Many others think the PS27 million Arsenal star is performing at a top level and could potentially become one of the very best in that position.
Arsenal and their fans will hope for Saliba to have an injury-free season, as they have seen first-hand what happens without the defender in the side. The Gunners tried to solve this problem with the signing of Jurrien Timber. But the Dutchman suffered an early season injury, which has brought the pressure back on existing stars.
However, if Saliba continues to perform the way he did on Sunday, Arsenal may have a better chance of winning titles this season and in the future. For now, he has a secured future at the club, and Arteta will hope to see his best form in the coming period.