Alan Shearer explains the one reason why £27m Arsenal star is ‘class personified’

Add as preferred source on Google

Iconic former Newcastle United striker Alan Shearer has been hugely impressed by Arsenal defender William Saliba.

William Saliba has now firmly established himself as a stalwart in the heart of the Arsenal defence. 

The Frenchman had to wait patiently for his opportunity to impress at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners paid £27 million to secure his services from Saint-Etienne in the summer of 2019, before immediately loaning him back to the Ligue 1 outfit for the duration of that campaign. 

Saliba then spent temporary stints with Nice and Marseille, developing his game in his homeland. Mikel Arteta then finally handed the 22-year-old the opportunity to make his debut for the north London club at the start of last season, and Saliba hasn’t looked back since. 

Last season, Saliba rapidly established himself as a fan-favourite at the Emirates Stadium, forging a solid partnership with fellow centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes. The pair remain Arteta’s first-choice central defensive duo.

Gabriel also recognises his fellow centre-back’s exceptional quality, having recently stated that Saliba is simply the “best”, when asked to sum up the 12-cap France international in one word.

Alan Shearer gives his verdict on Arsenal star William Saliba

Saliba is a tremendous physical athlete. He is fast, strong, and able to dominate in the air. However, it is the temperamental qualities he can boast that make him truly special. He is gifted on the ball and a fine passer, but it is his composure in difficult situations which sets him apart. 

He is reliably able to receive or win the ball in a congested area, and rather than simply hoof it clear, he trusts his skills and movement to see him emerge from danger with the ball still at his feet, allowing him to then progress his side up the pitch more effectively. 

Alan Shearer is also enamoured with this aspect of Saliba’s game. In naming his Team of the Season so far for the official Premier League website, the former forward described the Arsenal centre-back as “class personified. The ease with which he defends and his confidence on the ball at his age is amazing.”

So much of what Arsenal are able to achieve this season will depend on if Saliba can stay fit. The Gunners have title-winning ambitions. They emerged as genuine contenders for the crown last season, leading the league table for the majority of the campaign. However, it was Saliba’s injury ahead of the run-in which sparked the collapse of the club’s title charge.