Gary Neville, the former Manchester United and England defender turned pundit, has proclaimed Arsenal’s William Saliba as the best defender in world football at present.
In a recent interview with Goal, Neville praised Saliba’s performances and positioned him ahead of other top defenders like Virgil van Dijk and Gabriel Magalhaes.
Gary Neville Declares Arsenal’s William Saliba as World’s Best Defender
Neville’s comments come as Saliba continues to impress in the Premier League, anchoring Arsenal’s defense with a combination of physical dominance, tactical intelligence, and exceptional technical skills.
“I think what Gabriel and Saliba are doing at Arsenal is pretty good,” Neville remarked.
“You could still say Van Dijk, but I’m going to go with Saliba.”
Since joining Arsenal for £27 million, Saliba has quickly become a cornerstone of the team’s backline.
At just 23 years old, his maturity and composure on the field have drawn comparisons with some of the greatest defenders in modern football.
His ability to read the game, coupled with his strength and agility, makes him a formidable opponent for any striker.
Neville’s endorsement places Saliba in elite company. Virgil van Dijk, known for his exceptional defensive awareness and aerial prowess, has long been regarded as one of the best in the business.
Gabriel Magalhaes, Saliba’s teammate, is renowned for his bravery and commitment, often putting his body on the line to block shots and thwart attacks.
Saliba stands out with his proactive style of defending, averaging more tackles per game than both Van Dijk and Gabriel. This front-foot approach sometimes leads to more disciplinary issues, but it also underscores his aggressive and effective defending.
Saliba’s future looks incredibly bright. Even Van Dijk has acknowledged the young defender’s talent, suggesting that Saliba is better than he was at the same age.
Such high praise from one of the game’s top defenders indicates the potential that Saliba possesses. If he continues on his current trajectory, he could very well be regarded as one of the best defenders of all time.
As Arsenal competes for top honors this season, Saliba’s contributions will be vital. His performances not only bolster the team’s defense but also inspire confidence throughout the squad.
Fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see if he can maintain this high level of performance.
Neville’s recognition of Saliba as the world’s best defender is a testament to the young player’s remarkable abilities and a sign of great things to come for both Saliba and Arsenal.
