Rio Ferdinand blown away by one thing Saliba did for Arsenal v Manchester City

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Former Manchester United centre-back Rio Ferdinand has heaped praise on Arsenal defender William Saliba.

William Saliba put on a dominant display at the back for Arsenal against Manchester City on Sunday. As the Gunners secured a 1-0 victory against the reigning Premier League champions at the Emirates Stadium, they largely had Saliba to thank for keeping Erling Haaland quiet. 

Saliba comprehensively outclassed the Norwegian superstar in their one-on-one battle throughout the match. The striker could not even manage a single shot during the game. Saliba simply outmuscled, out-jumped, and outran the forward at every turn.

The 22-year-old Frenchman delivered a composed and controlled performance in the heart of the Arsenal rearguard, which is exactly what the situation called for. Mikel Arteta will have been delighted with the standard that the £190,000-a-week ace set.

Ferdinand wowed by one Saliba action

Rio Ferdinand was blown away by what Saliba did. Discussing one moment from the match in particular, on his FIVE YouTube channel, he said, “one of the moments I actually stopped the game and rewinded it for my son. My son plays centre-back. I said ‘watch this’. The ball gets played and he’s on the halfway line with Haaland…Just before the ball gets played, him and Haaland are shoulder to shoulder. He just bounces him, stops him. Haaland goes over and the ref doesn’t see it, runs through.”

Saliba showed in that instance that he is clever enough to anticipate Haaland’s movement, and strong enough to stop it. He didn’t foul the Manchester City man, just used his physicality to win the duel.

Ferdinand was an elite centre-back in his day. If he is using Saliba as a guide for his son to emulate then that is a huge compliment to the Arsenal man.

The only concern Arteta will have as far as Saliba is concerned is about keeping him fit. If Arsenal are to achieve their aims for this season then it is vital that the 10-cap France international remains injury-free and available throughout. The Gunners’ title challenge last season fell apart after Saliba was stricken with an injury that ended his campaign early.