Gabby Abgbonlahor has told TalkSPORT Edge that Arsenal defender William Saliba is like a young Rio Ferdinand as he continues his magnificent form in what is his first breakthrough season at Arsenal – picking him over Sven Botman.
Saliba, 21, joined Arsenal back in the summer of 2019. But he has been on loan three times since. He went back to St. Etienne first, then Nice, and then Marseille last season. He was superb at Marseille, playing 52 times in all competitions.
Now, he is at Arsenal and Mikel Arteta has made him instantly first choice. The eight-time France international has been superb for the Gunners – helping them keep nine clean sheets in 20 games. Conceding just 19 goals with Saliba.
Ahead of last night’s 0-0 draw between Arsenal and Newcastle, Agbonlahor picked his combined XI. He picked Saliba ahead of £35m ace Botman: “Saliba. I do like Botman, strong and aggressive. But Saliba, like a young Rio Ferdinand.”
Agbonlahor: Arsenal defender Saliba like a young Ferdinand
It has been quite incredible, the turnaround Saliba has produced at Arsenal. Given he had failed to kick a ball in the first team in the summer, after joining the club three years ago, it was understandable if Arsenal decided to cash in.
But Arteta got another call in his Arsenal tenure bang on. He threw him into the side at the right time, despite all of the outside noise – and it is paying off, and more. Saliba is thriving in the no.12 shirt. There is a lot of Ferdinand about him.
If Arsenal are going to do anything this season. Whether that is finish in the top four, remain title contenders and even challenge for the Europa League – Saliba will be at the heart of it. Crazy, given he had not played ahead of the season.
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