Martin Keown has told Stadium Astro that Arsenal fans absolutely “love” William Saliba, as the defender finally got his Arsenal career off and running this season – despite the Frenchman joining the club back in the summer of 2019.
Saliba, 21, actually joined Arsenal during Unai Emery’s reign three years ago. The centre-back was loaned back to Ligue 1 side Saint-Etienne. Returning in 2020, he remained at Arsenal for half a season before a loan to Nice in 2020-21.
Then, he went back to France for a third time – this time with Marseille. But it was the spell that clicked, shining for the Ligue 1 side and clocking up 52 appearances during the 2021-22 season. He has since become a France international.
Returning this summer, Saliba was immediately made first choice by Mikel Arteta – even pushing Ben White to right-back. Keown spoke of how Saliba has been like a “Rolls-Royce” defender at times, winning fans over and then some.
“He is like a Rolls-Royce, he is an outstanding talent. He has been out on loan, and he has earned the right to be here and the fans just love him,” Keown told Stadium Astro on Sunday, ahead of Arsenal’s 3-2 win over Liverpool.
Keown: Arsenal fans absolutely love Saliba
It is an often-coined phrase, but he has been like a new signing. Saliba has finally made his Arsenal debut and stayed in the side, starting and finishing all nine Premier League matches. He has helped the Gunners keep three clean sheets.
Indeed, the Gunners have only conceded 10 goals in that time – despite already playing against some of the division’s toughest sides. Liverpool, Manchester United, Tottenham, for example. Even Saliba himself, has scored two goals.
At just 21, Arsenal have a defender on their hands that could become one of the best the Premier League has to offer. He is certainly the future of the Arsenal defence for the next few years, if not a decade or more.
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