Jamie Carragher says Arsenal pair can enter ‘hall of fame’ if they do one thing, it’s easier said than done though

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Arsenal have been outstanding defensively in 2024, with several players deserving of praise for helping build one of the best backlines in Europe.

Goalkeeper David Raya has been one of the best in Europe, with the Spaniard pulling off some extraordinary saves in the Premier League and Champions League, and his defence is also excellent.

Ben White and Jurrien Timber have provided solidity at fullback, but the most crucial part of the defence are the centre-backs William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes.

The pair have both been exceptional since they first became a partnership two years ago, and whilst Saliba often takes most of the plaudits, Gabriel has been heavily praised since his man-of-the-match performance in the North London derby.

Former Liverpool defender and pundit Jamie Carragher has now claimed that their partnership could reach the levels of all-time greats, but only if Arsenal achieve something the pair are yet to do.

• READ MORE: All Arsenal legends in the Premier League Hall of Fame from Henry to Wenger

Jamie Carragher claims William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes can achieve greatness at Arsenal

In his column for The Telegraph, Carragher claimed that the Saliba and Gabriel partnership can match the levels of some of the best in Premier League history, but only if they win trophies at Arsenal.

“The Premier League era has been blessed with some of the greatest centre-half pairings. Arsenal’s William Saliba and Gabriel are on the threshold of joining elite company,” Carragher claimed.

“Provided they stay together, we will eventually reference Saliba and Gabriel in the same breath as the two stand-out partnerships of my generation; Chelsea’s John Terry and Ricardo Carvalho, and Manchester United’s Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic.

“Arsenal must win the Premier League or Champions League for the duo to establish themselves in that hall of fame, but they are making giant strides and are the biggest reason why Mikel Arteta’s side can travel to Manchester City with confidence this weekend.”

Saliba and Gabriel can become Arsenal’s best centre-back partnership

Arsenal have had some incredible defensive partnerships in the Premier League era. Their greatest-ever defender Tony Adams formed a title-winning back line alongside Steve Bould, whilst Arsene Wenger’s Invincibles had Sol Campbell and Kolo Toure marshalling the defence.

In Wenger’s later years, Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny formed a strong partnership which won back-to-back FA Cups.

Saliba and Gabriel have the potential to surpass all of these partnerships, with the two almost perfectly suited to each other. However, all of these other pairings won trophies at Arsenal, and if they are to be considered among the best, they will have to win the silverware to prove it.