Paul Merson claims Virgil van Dijk would not start for Arsenal in surprise comparison with Man City star

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There has been plenty of focus on Arsenal’s rock-solid defence this season, and several members of the squad are among the best players in the world.

Arsenal have conceded just five goals in six Premier League games this season, with two of those goals also coming when the side was reduced to 10 men.

This record is only bettered by Liverpool, with legendary defender Virgil van Dijk at the heart of the defence.

Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger named Van Dijk as one of the three best centre-backs in the world, alongside Arsenal pair William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes.

Saliba and Gabriel have both been imperious in the back line as a pairing, and are now earning recognition both individually and as a partnership, and Arsenal icon Paul Merson has now claimed that he would not drop either centre-back for the Liverpool ace.

• READ MORE: How much Arsenal paid to sign every 2024/25 first-team squad player in the transfer market

Paul Merson claims Virgil van Dijk would not start over William Saliba or Gabriel Magalhaes

Merson has now told Sportskeeda that injured Manchester City star Rodri is the only player who would start for every team in the world, and claimed that Van Dijk would not start for Arsenal because of their current centre-back partnership.

“He’s [Rodri] the only player who can get into any team in the world, that explains his influence. When I say this people go like, ‘Oh, what about Van Dijk then?'” Merson explained.

“But does Van Dijk get into the Arsenal team now? He may be a better player, but he’s not getting in ahead of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes at the moment.”

Saliba and Gabriel have formed the ideal partnership under Arteta, but Merson has now called for them to win the Premier League this season.

Paul Merson makes Arsenal demand following Rodri injury

Rodri has been ruled out for the season after picking up an injury in Arsenal’s 2-2 draw at Man City, and Merson has now claimed that Arteta’s side need to capitalise on this huge loss for City.

“If you’re Arsenal or Liverpool, the injury to Rodri is a huge boost. This is the time for them to put pressure on City, make hay while the sun shines. If they don’t take this chance, I don’t know if they can win the Premier League this season,” he added.

If Arsenal are to win the league, they will need Saliba and Gabriel to maintain their excellent performance levels throughout the campaign, whilst Liverpool will hope to mount an unlikely challenge after the departure of Jurgen Klopp.