Arsenal had to settle for a 0-0 draw against Atalanta in their opening game of this season’s Champions League.
The Gunners would’ve loved to start things off with a victory, but Gian Piero Gasperini’s side have always been a tough team to beat.
The draw in the end was a fair result for both sides, and even though Arsenal weren’t great in Bergamo, there are a few positives to take.
One of them is William Saliba’s performance, and Italian media outlets have had their say about him after the game on Thursday night.
Italian media deliver verdict on William Saliba after Arsenal’s draw against Atalanta
As he almost always does, Saliba started for Arsenal and played the full 90 minutes against Atalanta in the Champions League opener in Bergamo.
The Frenchman is one of the best defenders in the world, and he has been incredible for the Gunners since he made his competitive debut in August 2022.
Saliba, once again, had a very good game on Thursday night.
The 23-year-old was great on the ball, was always aware of danger and he absolutely dominated every Atalanta attacker who came near him.
Even Ademola Lookman, who is Atalanta’s most dangerous forward, was no match for Saliba, who dealt with him comfortably all game.
Italian media outlets have been raving about the France international since the full-time whistle on Thursday night.
Tutto Atalanta gave Saliba a 7.5/10 rating and wrote: “Arsenal’s defence is in his hands, or rather on his head as he wins every aerial duel. At the end of the second half, he makes another extraordinary intervention on Lookman, who is thrown towards the goal.”
11Contro11 gave him a 6.5/10 rating and said: “He man-marks Retegui (Atalanta’s striker), not allowing the Nerazzurri centre-forward to become dangerous near Raya. His slide tackle at the end was decisive to stop Lookman going face-to-face with Raya.”
CalcioMercato also gave Saliba a 6.5/10 rating and wrote: “He crushes Retegui, gives him no respite.”
READ MORE: William Saliba reveals one thing he needs to do to become the ‘best defender in the world’
William Saliba’s stats vs Atalanta are so impressive
Saliba was Arsenal’s best defender against Atalanta on Thursday night.
The Frenchman barely put a foot wrong all game, and he continues to prove himself as one of the best centre-backs in world football.
Against Atalanta, Saliba had 57 touches of the ball and completed 44 out of his 48 attempted passes, maintaining a very impressive 92 per cent passing accuracy.
The Arsenal number two also made five clearances, two tackles, won three out of his four duels and wasn’t dribbled past once in the entire game. (Sofascore)
It is no surprise that the Italian media are raving about Saliba – he is a sensational defender.
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