Arsenal and Liverpool played out an entertaining 1-1 draw at Anfield in a top-of-the-table clash, and there were several standout performers on both sides.
Declan Rice was yet again impressive in midfield, and proved that he could handle the biggest occasions for Arsenal, whilst defenders William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes were outstanding at the back.
Liverpool defenders Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate were also solid, and both sets of defences prevented the opposition attackers from scoring more in what was a very even game.
Saliba and Van Dijk were both particularly good, with Saliba crucial in helping Mikel Arteta’s side defensively and on the ball, and they have now been praised as the two best centre-backs in the Premier League.
William Saliba and Virgil van Dijk praised after Arsenal draw at Liverpool
Speaking on Sky Sports after the game, former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher hailed the two centre-halves and claimed that they are ahead of anyone else in their positions in the country right now.
“Van Dijk’s been outstanding today. We’ve mentioned Saliba and rightly so, but these two have been the two best centre-backs in the Premier League this season,” he stated.
With Arsenal and Liverpool occupying the top two spots in the league, and both sides boasting the best defensive records, this comes as no surprise as the two defenders have both been exceptional all season, with Saliba helping the Gunners form the statistically best defence in the division.
Is Saliba Arsenal’s own Van Dijk?
Van Dijk was perhaps the missing piece of Jurgen Klopp’s puzzle when he joined Liverpool in January 2018, helping transform the side from top-four contenders to competitors at the highest level of European football.
The immediate impact he had on the Liverpool defence was remarkable, and whilst there is a long way to go yet, comparisons can certainly be drawn with Saliba.
Arsenal finished fifth in the Premier League before Saliba joined the squad, and his mere presence in the back line helped turn the team into title contenders.
Saliba’s injury in March last season saw Arsenal’s title charge completely collapse, making him arguably the most important player in the squad.
When Van Dijk was injured in the 2020-21 season, Liverpool fell from Champions to finishing fourth, and the pair are both paramount to any success their clubs will have.
The two are both clear at the top when it comes to the Premier League’s best centre-backs, and given that Saliba is just 22, Arsenal fans have every right to be excited about the future with him.
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