Proof William Saliba is a 'Rolls-Royce' of a defender
Robin Bairner
- 3 Oct 2022 08:52 BST
- 3 min read
Arsenal’s William Saliba continues to be one of the most impressive defenders in the Premier League this season, with the France international shining as the Gunners maintained top spot thanks to a 3-1 win over Tottenham.
Mikel Arteta’s side temporarily pulled four points clear of Manchester City in the title race thanks to their derby success, and though the defending champions later reeled them back in an astonishing 6-3 win over Manchester United, the north London side look likely to be their main contenders for the crown.
Saliba’s form has been one of the main reasons for this. On the books at Arsenal since 2019, he has finally been given his opportunity to impress after loan spells at Saint-Etienne, Nice and Marseille, and there is little doubt he is taking it.
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“He has fit in really well,” Aaron Ramsdale, the Arsenal goalkeeper, said. “It’s a credit to him that he has been put straight into the team. He’s a bit of a Rolls-Royce with the way he moves, he has never seemed fazed.”
The statistics back this up, too.
Saliba one of the Premier League's best
Arsenal’s defence is the second strongest in the Premier League behind Everton. They have conceded only eight goals in eight matches, and while this is impressive on a team basis, Saliba’s individual performance has been even more impressive.
For starters, the 21-year-old has yet to be dribbled by an opponent this season.
Premier League 2022/23: Possession won by defenders
| William Saliba | 71 |
| Kieran Trippier | 64 |
| Trent Alexander-Arnold | 58 |
| Jonny | 52 |
| Armel Bella-Kotchap | 52 |
| Mohammed Salisu | 50 |
| Virgil van Dijk | 50 |
Secondly, Saliba has won possession more times than any other defender in the league – and by a significant margin. The Parisian has won the ball 71 times, compared to Kieran Trippier’s 64 and Trent Alexander-Arnold’s 58. These are the Premier League players closest to him in this regard.
Arsenal fans have had to be patient to see Saliba in action, but the wait has been worth it, with the Gunners now in possession of one of the best defensive players in the Premier League.
