Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand says Arsenal star William Saliba will become the best defender in the world.
Despite not playing alongside his forst-choice defensive partner against Manchester United, Gabriel Magalhaes, Saliba was outstanding for Mikel Arteta’s men.
The young French defender went on to score Arsenal’s second goal in the 2-0 win against United.
Speaking on Saliba’s performance, Ferdinand said:”I think Saliba is going to be the best defender in the world. Saliba will be the best defender in the world when Virgil van Dijk gives up that post. As soon as that happens, it could be in a year, it could be three years.
“Whenever it’s going to be I don’t see anyone else taking over. The only person I see, the person who I think will rival him and it will be close is Leny Yoro.
“To go back to Saliba, he looks imposing. Rasmus Hojlund is probably still trying to fight his way out of his pocket now after the #Arsenal vs United game. It was like a man against a boy. I want to see Rasmus Hojlund improve in those situations, in those one vs ones.
“And I can say the same about Haaland, when Haaland comes up agaisnt a Van Dijk, against a Saliba-type guy, I want to see him bully the life out of them as well, I was to see him hurt them and put punches in those guys, not just flat-track bullies.
“Saliba looked clean, confident, classy, strong, elegant. Everything you’d want in a centre half and it was great just to see another centre-half, a young one, come on who is two or three years behind in adjusting to the Premier League and come on and look so clean in the defensive situations where if you’re going to be a top team you need someone in the back line, at least one of them, who can go one vs one with anyone on the pitch.”
