"Let’s calm down for a bit" - Pundit shuts down claims suggesting Arsenal superstar is the best player in the world in his position
Pundit Jamie O'Hara praised Arsenal defender William Saliba but stopped short of calling him the best centre-back in the world. The former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder claimed that the Frenchman is not on the level of world-class players like Liverpool superstar Virgil van Dijk or Manchester City centre-back John Stones.
Over the past few seasons, Saliba has been a mainstay in the Gunners' defense. He has made 85 appearances for Mikel Arteta's side across all competitions, helping them to back-to-back second-place finishes in the Premier League.
Naturally, the 23-year-old's impressive performances put him into the conversation for the best centre-back in world football. While many have backed him ahead of players like Van Dijk and Stones, O'Hara has claimed that the young star had to lift some trophies with his side to stake a claim.
Speaking to Grosvenor Sport, the Englishman said (via DAZN):
"William Saliba the best centre back in the world? Let's calm down for a bit. He's a really good player but he is not one of the best in the world, if Arsenal win a Champions League or a Premier League, then he can be in that conversation."
"Arsenal didn't do anything in the Champions League last season, and they finished second in the league again, so how can you be considered a better defender than somebody who's won these trophies?"
"He's not on the level of Virgil Van Dijk or John Stones for me, who have actually played large parts in winning these competitions for their sides. Let's see how Arsenal get on this season in those competitions, then we can come back to the conversation," O'Hara concluded.
Having helped the Gunners to two wins in two games so far, Saliba will certainly be eager to help his side lift some trophies in the 2024-25 campaign.
"We are close but it's not enough" - Arsenal star William Saliba pushes his side to overcome Manchester City in Premier League title race
Arsenal defender William Saliba has claimed that his side will have to 'try more' in order to snatch the Premier League title, which has seemingly been in Manchester City's grasp.
City have won six of the last seven PL titles, with Liverpool (2019-20) being the only other team to win in that period. The Gunners have been close in the last two seasons, finishing as runners-up on both occasions.
Speaking to Mail Sport at the PFA Awards, the 23-year-old Frenchman claimed that his side will have to be at their best and avoid any slip-ups in the 2024-25 PL campaign. He said (via Mail):
"We are close but it's not enough. We need to more more and we will try our best this season. It's a new season. We are fresh right now and started well on the weekend but there's no pressure right now. There's a lot of games."
Up next, Saliba will be seen in action in Arsenal's next Premier League fixture against Brighton & Hove Albion on August 31.