Alan Shearer has told his Premier League Team of the Week column that William Saliba is “exactly what Arsenal needed” at centre-back – after his “dominating” performance on debut against Crystal Palace on Friday night.
Saliba, 21, joined Arsenal back in 2019 – but only made his debut on Friday. A tricky first season was followed up by an indifferent loan at Nice, before starring on loan at Marseille last season – playing 52 times and earning France caps.
He started at centre-back on Friday night, beating Crystal Palace 2-0. He partnered Gabriel in the middle of the defence, with Ben White ushered over to right-back. A superb debut for the £36,000-a-week defender.
Discussing Saliba’s performance on Friday against The Eagles, Shearer was full of praise. Including him in his Team of the Week, he said: “A great debut performance and a dominating presence. Exactly what Arsenal needed at the back.”
- Newcastle and Tottenham want Leeds star, but Elland Road is his best move
- Robin Koch an unsung hero at right-back in Leeds’ final games of 21/22
Shearer: Saliba is ‘exactly what Arsenal need’
What a performance. Leaving Arsenal last summer after a tricky start to life with the Gunners and a poor spell at Nice, he has returned following his Marseille spell like a new signing. His debut was everything Arsenal fans had hoped.
When Takehiro Tomiyasu returns, it will be interesting to see who Mikel Arteta plays at centre-back. Does he bring White back into the middle? Does he drop Saliba? Or does he even consider dropping Gabriel?
Whatever happens, Saliba has shown Arsenal fans and Arteta that he probably deserves to start the next few games at least. For Saliba, at least the Gunners will be in Europa League football. So if he is axed, he will get plenty of game time.
But the chances are that given the relationship between Gabriel and Saliba on Friday night, White might have to wait his turn. Unless, Arteta changes to a back three and includes all three. If so, Saliba would be in the middle.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
