Arsenal star William Saliba names the one thing he's missing from becoming the 'best defender in the world'
Arsenal centre-back William Saliba reckons he's missing enough silverware to be called one of the best defenders in the game. The 23-year-old has been a key player for the Gunners over the last two seasons.
Saliba has contributed five goals and two assists in 87 games across competitions since his first-team debut in the 2022-23 campaign. He played all 38 Premier League games last season as the Gunners conceded a league-low 29 times but finished two points behind champions Manchester City.
The 23-year-old has also been a key player for France, playing 23 times, including every minute of all six games at Euro 2024, where Les Bleus lost 2-1 to eventual winners Spain in the semi-final.
Ahead of the Gunners' UEFA Champions League opener at Atalanta on Thursday, Saliba reflected on what he's missing from becoming the best in the game at his position, telling Fox Sports Mexico (as per the Metro):
"I have been on the right track for both seasons, mainly last season. I’m perhaps on my way to becoming the best defender in the world. I think I’m one of the best at the moment, but to say that I have to win some titles. I think that’s what I’m missing right now.
"If you win titles, you’re good and if you don’t, you can’t say you’re the best. That’s what I believe. I’m one of the best in the world."
The Gunners are second in the Premier League after four games this season, two behind City, who they visit on Sunday, with Saliba helping them keep three clean sheets.
"In Europe, you'd better be at your best" - Arsenal boss ahead of Atalanta trip
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta wants his side to hit the ground running as they open their UEFA Champions League opener at reigning UEFA Europa League winners Atalanta on Thursday.
The Gunners fared well in the competition last season, reaching their first quarter-final in 14 years, losing 3-2 on aggregate to Bayern Munich following a 1-0 away loss in the second leg.
Ahead of the Atalanta game, Arteta said in a press conference about his side's chances of success in Europe (as per Football London):
"If we want to be at the level we want to be we have to be really good on the road and at home. We have to continue to be very consistent. In Europe, it’s very tough to win, just like in the Premier League. Hopefully, we can be better.
"You don’t know the opponents that well and then boxes become crucial. There are small moments that define the games. In Europe, you’d better be at your best."
Arsenal haven't won a European title since their success in the Cup Winners' Cup - now a defunt tournament - in 1994.