William Saliba thinks Virgil Van Dijk is better than two Arsenal icons, but one really made him hesitate

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Arsenal centre-back William Saliba was recently asked to compare great Premier League defenders.

William Saliba has now established himself as one of the best defenders currently plying his trade in the Premier League. 

Saliba was just named in the PFA Team of the Year, along with four of his Arsenal teammates, Martin Odegaard, Declan Rice, goalkeeper David Raya, and his centre-back partner Gabriel Magalhaes. 

Gabriel and Saliba have been called the best defensive partnership in the Premier League, and the duo certainly work well together. The Frenchman’s composure and technical ability is complemented by Gabriel’s aggression and physicality. 

Saliba set an Arsenal record last season, as he became the first outfield player to ever feature for every minute of a Premier League campaign for the club. His importance to Mikel Arteta, then, can scarcely be overstated. 

If he continues on his current trajectory, the 23-year-old will go down as one of the all-time greats. Arsenal fans will be hoping that he cements his legacy at the Emirates Stadium.

In the meantime, he has given his verdict on some other iconic defenders.

• READ MORE: Who are The Invincibles? Meet the Arsenal record-breakers who became Premier League legends

William Saliba pits Arsenal icons Sol Campbell and Tony Adams against Virgil van Dijk

In a video clip posted to X by Mail Sport, Saliba was asked to name the best defender out of two presented options in a game of ‘winner stays on.’

When Saliba himself came up against Manchester United great Rio Ferdinand, the Arsenal man sided with the former England international.

Ferdinand was then knocked out by Virgil van Dijk. Saliba also sided with the Liverpool star over former Arsenal captain Tony Adams. 

When van Dijk came up against Arsenal legend Sol Campbell, Saliba hesitated. He weighed up his decision for a few moments, before ultimately favouring the Dutchman. 

When asked if there is any defender he considers to be better than van Dijk, Saliba named Spanish icon Sergio Ramos.