Saliba lacking 'one thing' to become 'the best'

Suraj Radia

19 Sept 2024 17:30 BST
4 min read

William Saliba believes he is one of the best defenders in the world, although the Arsenal star admits there is one thing he is lacking before he can truly be considered amongst the elite.

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Saliba has been a standout performer for the Gunners since breaking into Mikel Arteta’s first team squad in 2022, having spent the previous three years on loan in Ligue 1.

The 23-year-old has been named in the PFA Team of the Year during both his seasons as a starter in the Premier League, while also being at the heart of an Arsenal defence that conceded the fewest goals of any side last season.

Speaking to FOX Sports, Saliba insisted his performances have put him ‘on the right track’ to be the best defender in the world, however the Frenchman also revealed that he needed to win titles to justify his belief.

He said: “I have been on the right track for the past two seasons, especially last season. I am perhaps on my way to becoming the best defender in the world. I think I am one of the best at the moment, but to say that I have to win some titles. I think that is what I am missing right now.

"If you win titles you are good and if you don't, you can't say you are the best. That's what I believe. I am one of the best in the world."

© IMAGO - William Saliba has attracted the interest of Real Madrid in recent times.

Real Madrid Saliba interest could be a warning for Arsenal

The only silverware Saliba has won in his career so far has been the Community Shield, which Arsenal lifted in 2020 and 2023, although he was part of the French squad that were runners up in the 2022 World Cup.

Saliba also lost in the 2020 Coupe de France final with Saint-Etienne but his biggest disappointment at club level will have been Arsenal’s failure to oust Manchester City from their perch at the top of the Premier League in the last two seasons.

Current ETV

William Saliba

D (C)

Arsenal

William Saliba

D (C)

Arsenal

ETV Range

€55M - €91.7M

With four years remaining on his contract at the Emirates, Arsenal will be relaxed over Saliba’s future, although Real Madrid have reportedly identified the youngster as ‘the future of their defence’.

The Spanish giants have won 11 trophies in the past four seasons and a switch to Real could prove a tempting proposition for Saliba in his quest to win silverware and cement his status as the world’s best defender.

Although he will have every faith that Arsenal can eventually consistently win top honours, a third successive failure to win the Premier League title may be a catalyst for Saliba to consider his future next summer if Real do formalise their interest with a bid.