At 23, William Saliba has rapidly risen as one of the Premier League’s most remarkable young players, playing an instrumental role in Arsenal’s pursuit of the title during the 2022-23 season. After spending several years on loan and honing his skills at various clubs, Saliba has now solidified his position as a key figure in Mikel Arteta’s lineup. He has formed a highly effective defensive partnership with Gabriel, his Brazilian teammate, helping to create one of the league’s most formidable backlines.
Saliba achieved a historic milestone last season, becoming the first outfield player in Arsenal’s history to play every single minute of a Premier League season. His consistency and contributions to Arsenal’s defense were essential in securing the club’s best defensive record in the league that season, enabling them to stay highly competitive and ultimately finish just two points behind Manchester City in the title race.
Beyond his club contributions, Saliba has also emerged as a vital part of the French national team. With 23 caps for France, he has become an integral figure for Les Bleus, playing a prominent role at Euro 2024. His performances on the international stage have continued to raise his profile, establishing him as one of the most promising defenders in Europe.
In a recent interview with Fox Sports Mexico, Saliba openly discussed his ambitions and how he views his progress so far. While he expressed confidence in his talent and acknowledged his development over recent seasons, he emphasized that winning titles is essential to reaching the next level in his career. According to Saliba, trophies are what separate good players from the truly elite.
Reflecting on his achievements and goals, Saliba noted, “I feel that I’ve been on the right path, especially over the past two seasons.” He stated that he might be on the verge of becoming the world’s best defender, acknowledging that he already sees himself as one of the top players in his position. However, Saliba added that to truly earn that recognition, he needs to win major titles, as he believes that only trophies can fully validate a player’s status as the best.
He went on to explain his mindset further: “If you win titles, people see you as one of the greats, but without them, you can’t claim to be the best. That’s how I look at it. Right now, I consider myself one of the best in the world, but to take the final step, I need those titles.”
Saliba’s words reflect both his ambition and self-awareness, as he recognizes that personal accomplishments alone aren’t enough to secure his place among the very best. He is eager to add trophies to his resume, not only to confirm his standing but also to elevate himself to the highest level of football.
