Arsenal currently sit five points clear at the top of the Premier League table with William Saliba playing a huge role.
The £27m man has settled in alongside Gabriel Magalhães to make the Gunners formidable at the back, conceding just 23 goals in their 25 Premier League games so far this season.
Saliba seems to be well loved by everyone at the Emirates Stadium, although that was not always the case.
What’s the story?
Well – according to ESPN‘s James Olley – some at Arsenal used to describe the France international as League One level.
It is said that these players who thought little of Saliba often mentioned his poor positioning and “a tendency to jump into the tackle” as he struggled to assert himself early on at Arsenal.
ESPN add that those who said this about the Arsenal No.12 have since been offloaded by Mikel Arteta – however, it is not specifically mentioned that the Spaniard got rid of them because of their comments.
Whoever at Arsenal called Saliba League One level is better off being away from the Emirates Stadium.
It was clear from the 21-year-old’s breakthrough at Saint-Etienne that he was destined for big things, and Arsenal have since been rewarded for their show of faith in him after investing £27m in the Frenchman’s potential.
Arsenal have a potential superstar in Saliba
You look at the likes of Raphael Varane, Virgil van Dijk and more of the best central defenders to have graced the game in recent years, and Saliba looks more than capable of hitting those levels if this is how he’s performing at the age of just 21.
The Bondy-born colossus is quick across the ground, boasts a fantastic passing range, and is also strong aerially, making him a complete package when it comes to being a central defender.
With Arteta coaching him at London Colney, the sky really is the limit for Saliba.
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