Arsenal star compares himself with Virgil van Dijk believes he is among top three defenders

William Saliba had an amazing 2023/24 season with Arsenal. The French defender was sensational with his defensive abilities and peaked in the English Premier League and the UEFA Champions League as well. For his excellent display in the club, football gave him a call in the national team for the upcoming UEFA Euro 2024. He will be a crucial member of the Les Blues in the backline alongside Jules Kounde.

The 23-year-old footballer has been named as the top three defenders in the PL and after his superb performance has dropped a comment by comparing himself with Virgil van Dijk. In the 2022/23 season was included in the PFA Team of the Year and he backed up those performances in the most recent Premier League campaign. His defensive performances could not help Arsenal earn the Premier League trophy from Manchester City's hands. 

Saliba made 50 appearances across all competitions for the Gunners in the 2023/24 season. Among these in the 38 EPL games he was able to keep 18 clean sheets holding the best defensive record in the season. He discussed Van Dijk's aura in the Netherlands team as he will be leading the Dutch team to yet another marquee tournament. 

I think I am in the top three: William Saliba

Speaking via CenterGoals, "I think I am in the top three [defenders in the league]. We finished with the best defence. I watch a lot of matches. I am a very humble person but last season, just like this season, I am in the top three defenders. I need to continue to work to go even higher […] in terms of concentration, I am a lot better. Before, I could play a top match but in one phase of play, I slept a bit. That is no longer the case. I am always on alert."

He also shared his views on playing with Manchester City, and said, "We played against them three times [last season] and we made them struggle. They feel and we feel that we are close to them. Next year, we will have an even better war."