William Saliba has gone from strength to strength since becoming a first-team regular at Arsenal, and has helped the Gunners form the best defence in the Premier League.
The Frenchman has helped transform Arsenal into a title-challenging side, and despite being just 22, is already one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League.
Alongside Gabriel Magalhaes, who has improved massively this season, the pair have formed an outstanding partnership at the back, which has conceded just three goals in their last six games.
Former Chelsea defender Frank LeBoeuf has now claimed that there is a case to be made that Saliba is the best centre-back in World football, given his influence on Mikel Arteta’s team.
Frank LeBoeuf praises Arsenal’s William Saliba
The French World Cup winner has now praised his fellow countryman, claiming that Arsenal’s collapse in the title race last year without him highlights Saliba’s brilliance.
“I think William Saliba is already one of the world’s best centre-backs, if not the best,” he stated.
“When he got injured last season Arsenal lost the title, not much more needs to be said about him than that.”
Did Arsenal lose the title last season because of William Saliba?
Arsenal were dealt a triple blow in the Europa League round of 16 last season. In a home tie against Sporting Club De Portugal, they were eliminated from the competition on penalties, and lost Saliba, as well as Takehiro Tomiyasu, to season-ending injuries.
This meant that Arteta turned to backup defender Rob Holding, in a decision which facilitated Arsenal’s collapse in the race. Saliba’s vital composure, ability on the ball and reading of the game were missing, and Arsenal could no longer defend with a high line.
Holding coming in for him meant that the Gunners could not hold onto two-goal leads against Liverpool and West Ham after inviting too much pressure, and were torn apart against Manchester City at the Etihad.
An excellent campaign had ended in disaster, and it can be said with justification, that there could have been a very different outcome had Saliba not picked up the devastating injury.
With him back to his best now, and Gabriel alongside him, Arsenal are perhaps in a better position to win the title, with Arteta now aware of the importance of defensive solidity in the late stages of the season, and Arsenal’s recent brilliant form has seen them stifle opposition attacks with ease.
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