Former Arsenal star Thomas Vermaelen has now shared his verdict on William Saliba.
Since his appearance on the Arsenal scene last season, William Saliba has received praise. Premier League icon Alan Shearer recently described the French centre-back as “the embodiment of class”.
Saliba had to be patient and wait for his chance to shine at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners initially secured his services in the summer of 2019, shelling out £27 million to Saint-Etienne before immediately allowing him to return to the French outfit on loan.
More transition spells followed in Ligue 1, with Nice and Marseille, before Mikel Arteta, regardless, gave Saliba his Arsenal debut at the start of last season. Since then, the 22-year-old has gone from strength to strength and established himself as one of the most productive defenders wielding his industry in English football’s most no-nonsense flight.
Arsenal have also taken steps to secure Saliba’s long-term future. The player signed a new contract with the north London club in July 2023.
Now it’s important that Saliba can continue to have compatibility this season. Last season, it was his injury at the end of the season that led to the collapse of Arsenal’s search for a name, having helped the club become a wonderful contender for the crown.
With his long career secure and the fact that he is still very young and will likely continue to improve, it is unclear what Saliba can achieve at Arsenal in the coming years.
Thomas Vermaelen still expects wonderful things from the France international who played twelve international matches. The former Arsenal captain, who also played in the centre of defence, is full of praise for Saliba.
As quoted by the club’s official website, the Belgian said, “he’s a great player. He has everything a modern defender needs to have – he’s quick, he’s a great defender, he’s good on the ball.”
“He has a great partnership with Gabriel [Magalhaes] as well which is very important. They’re doing an amazing job.”
Gabriel Magalhaes certainly deserves a mention in the context of Saliba’s rise. The Arsenal duo compliment one another perfectly as a partnership at the back. Gabriel himself is an excellent defender, and the pair have complete faith in each other, on and off the ball. This trust allows Arsenal to play the ball around at the back in pressurised situations in a manner which aligns with Arteta’s preferred style of play.