Arsenal legend Thierry Henry recently showered praise on William Saliba, asserting that the £27 million Arsenal defender is currently the best in the Premier League. Saliba, signed in 2019, faced loan spells at Saint-Etienne, Nice, and Marseille before returning to Arsenal under manager Mikel Arteta. Despite initial doubts about Arteta’s preference for him, Saliba has proven himself as a consistent and exceptional performer.
Henry, speaking on Amazon Prime, highlighted Saliba’s defensive prowess in one-on-one situations, emphasizing his ability to keep Arsenal positioned higher up the pitch. The former striker commended Saliba’s speed, recovery skills, and his inclination to regain possession purposefully rather than opting for a clearance. Reflecting on Saliba’s loan period at Marseille, Henry expressed surprise at Arsenal not retaining him, asserting that Saliba outperformed their existing options.
At just 22 years old, Saliba is already considered one of the world’s top defenders. His well-rounded skills, including speed, strength, ball control, tactical awareness, and composure, set him apart from many counterparts in the league. Henry’s recent accolades are expected to boost Saliba’s confidence further.
The Frenchman’s potential and performance could be crucial for Arsenal’s aspirations in the Premier League. If Saliba maintains fitness throughout the season, Arsenal, according to Henry, stands a strong chance of contending for the league title. This endorsement from a club icon adds weight to the recognition of Saliba as a generational talent, validating the club’s decision to bring him back into the fold and potentially shaping Arsenal’s defensive success in the current campaign.
