One West Ham United attacker has now compared Arsenal star William Saliba and Liverpool icon Virgil van Dijk.
Arsenal centre-back William Saliba has established himself as one of the best defenders in the Premier League.
The Frenchman is now impressing on an even bigger stage, at Euro 2024. Arsenal fans have been impressed by Saliba’s performances at the tournament in Germany.
Mikel Arteta will not be surprised to see the 23-year-old now shining at international level. Saliba proved with Arsenal last season that he is a big game player, as he routinely sparkled against elite level opposition.
West Ham and England forward Jarrod Bowen has now included Saliba in his pick of a World XI.
Jarrod Bowen identifies what makes Arsenal star William Saliba and Virgil van Dijk the best of the best
Speaking to the official West Ham United YouTube channel, Bowen was tasked with assembling a team of the world’s best players.
The 27-year-old selected a centre-back paring of Saliba and Virgil van Dijk. He then said of the pair: “I’ve gone, van Dijk and Saliba… I think, quite similar players in terms of their stature. How big they are, how quick they are, and how strong they are, but defensively really good as well.”
Saliba and van Dijk certainly share plenty of attributes. Perhaps the big difference between the Arsenal man and the Dutchman is their age. Whilst the 19-cap France international still very much has the majority of his career ahead of him, the 32-year-old is now coming towards the end of his peak years.
This difference exemplifies just how extraordinary Saliba really is. To be so good, and so consistent, whilst still so young marks him out as a generational talent.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
