Micah Richards has picked Willian Pacho over William Saliba as his standout defender in this season’s Champions League.
Speaking via UCL Fantasy, Richards was asked to choose between the two centre-backs ahead of the final.
“That is a tough one, that. Pacho has been unbelievable in the Champions League. The most underrated,” Richards said.
“Do you know what? I’m gonna give it to Pacho, even though Saliba’s top tier as well, but Pacho in the Champions League has been my favourite to watch I think.”
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The irony is that Arsenal were heavily linked with Pacho before the Ecuadorian joined PSG from Eintracht Frankfurt in the summer of 2024.
Had that move materialised, Pacho could have been lining up alongside Saliba rather than against him in Budapest on Saturday.
Instead, he has become one of PSG’s most important defenders, and now stands between Arsenal and the Champions League trophy they have waited decades to win.
William Saliba’s case for being the best defender in the Champions League
Richards’ preference for Pacho is a fair one, but Arsenal fans will feel William Saliba’s case is stronger.
The Frenchman has been the heart of a defensive record that is unmatched in this season’s competition — Arsenal have conceded just six goals in the Champions League all season, the fewest of any side by a distance.
Saliba has been imperious throughout, combining composure, technical quality in the build-up and clutch last ditch defending.
Pacho, meanwhile, did not feature in PSG’s final Ligue 1 game against Paris FC as a precaution, though he is expected to be fit for Budapest.
Ousmane Dembele is also pushing for a return after his own injury scare.
If both are available, Arsenal may have their hands full, but Saliba will fancy his chances against anyone.
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