Martin Keown has waxed lyrical about Arsenal defender William Saliba, in conversation with BT Sport.
The Gunners legend believes the Frenchman is already ahead of teammate Gabriel Magalhaes.
Keown spoke about Saliba in wake of his goal for Arsenal in Thursday’s Europa League draw with Sporting CP.
The 21-year-old kept his place in the Gunners starting XI as Mikel Arteta rang the changes.
Arsenal were held to a 2-2 draw by Ruben Amorim’s side at the Estádio José Alvalade in the game.
And while several Gunners players flattered to deceive, Saliba delivered an impressive display for his side.
The £40,000-a-week (Spotrac) ace’s well-taken header put Arsenal a goal up in the 22nd minute.
He then made a superb goal-saving tackle just before the hosts went ahead in the second half.
‘Growing in stature’
Keown loved what he saw from Saliba, saying he’s getting better and better.
The Arsenal legend told BT Sport, via the Daily Mail: “Just a word on Saliba.
“A player that Arsenal bought three years ago, and went out on loan for three seasons, you’d be thinking “am I really going to be an Arsenal player?
“This is his first season as an Arsenal player. In the first game of the season against Crystal Palace he was man of the match and he’s been brilliant ever since.
“I think he’s growing in stature. Just listening to him speak and the goal he scored tonight, his performance – he’s a proper central defender.
“He and Gabriel make for a really good partnership, I think he’s ahead of Gabriel.
“He’s doing everything you want, there’s a hunger, taking responsibility as he wants to get into the next round.
“He has given everything for the cause. He’s very composed, strong. Again he’s got the ingredient, of pace.
“Look at the goal, I guess Tony Adams was noted for scoring at set-pieces and he’s got in on the act again.
“It’s a nice habit if your head is the first to the ball in either box. It’s a really nice header, keeps it down.”
Arteta playing the long game
Saliba joined Arsenal back in 2019 from Saint-Etienne for a reported £27million.
However, three years would pass before the 21-year-old would make his competitive Gunners debut.
Saliba returned to Saint-Etienne on loan in 2019-20, then took in stints at Nice and Marseille.
The Frenchman has developed into a star player and is now a regular in Arsenal’s back four.
Arteta received criticism for not throwing Saliba in at the deep end, instead sending him out on loan.
However, the Gunners manager played the long game and his patience has paid off handsomely.
‘Trust the process’ is no longer a sarcastic jibe, but testament to a steady rebuild that’s now reaping rewards.
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