This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
The France international played a pivotal role in shutting down Manchester City’s attack last Sunday as Mikel Arteta’s side finally tasted victory against their title rivals.
While it was Gabriel Martinelli’s late deflected effort that proved decisive in ending a 12-game losing streak, Saliba’s composure at the heart of Arsenal’s defence caught they eye.
Arsenal’s title bid unraveled last term almost from the moment Saliba suffered a season-ending injury and his replacement, Rob Holding, was mauled by Erling Haaland in a 4-1 defeat at the Etihad Stadium during the run-in.
The City striker got no change out of Saliba last weekend, however, and failed to register a single shot on goal having been expertly nullified by the defender who has added ‘dark arts’ to his game, according to Ferdinand.
‘I have to say I watched the game and Saliba, it’s these games where you see if the boys have got the temperament and that counts for a lot in these big games,’ Ferdinand told Vibe with Five.
‘He’s cool as you like with and without the ball. I don’t think he’s been dribbled past in eight games. There was one moment I stopped the game and rewound it for me son because he plays centre back.
‘I said ‘watch this’! The ball gets played and he’s on the halfway line with Haaland. He’s giving all centre backs sleepless nights based on what he did last season. Saliba, the last person he saw before he went to sleep wouldn’t have been his missus, it would’ve been Haaland’s face.
‘Halfway line, someone plays the ball beyond the back four. As it’s being played him and Haaland are shoulder to shoulder and he just bounces him, Haaland goes over.
‘Those little details, don’t put me in foot race, don’t need to, I could, but I don’t need to. He’s got little dark arts he’s introduced to his game. He seems cute around the box as well he’s calm under pressure, he’s happy to have the responsibility of hoofing the ball out at times.
‘Him and Gabriel’s partnership is really blossoming I don’t think he does what he does without a good partner so you have to give Gabriel his flowers as well. He is the A-side in that partnership.’
Despite his rapid progress, Ferdinand maintains Saliba still has much to prove before he can be regarded as the best defender in the league, a title Ferdinand believes should currently sit with City’s John Stones.
‘John Stones is the best centre-half in the Premier League at the moment,’ added the Manchester United legend. ‘Defensively he was going back into the back four.
‘John Stones, no other centre-half in the Premier League did what John Stones did last season. He could be in the arguement, he’s such a different player, he’s brought more to the position because he’s being asked to. John Stones right now he looks so composed with the authority he plays with.’
MORE : Arsenal star William Saliba expected to be fit for Chelsea clash despite withdrawing from France squad
MORE : Leandro Trossard becomes latest Arsenal star to withdraw from international duty with forward ruled out of Belgium games
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Share your story or advertise with us: Whatsapp: +2347068606071 Email: info@newspotng.com
