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William Saliba looks on during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Fulham at Emirates Stadium, London, August 2022.

Watch: William Saliba ruthlessly trolls Gabriel about receding hairline

William Saliba has arguably been the breakout star of the 2022-23 Premier League season so far and the Arsenal defender reinforced his growing cult status by trolling team-mate Gabriel Magalhaes about his receding hairline following their victory over Aston Villa.

Saliba joined Arsenal in 2019 but spent the following three seasons on loan in France, the last of which was a very impressive spell at Marseille.

And the young defender has taken to Premier League football like a duck to water, putting in a string of impressive appearances that have helped Arsenal win all five of their league matches to date.

His team-mates aren’t shy of praising Saliba’s performances. Speaking after their opening victory at Crystal Palace, Gabriel said: “For me, he’s the best! He’s very young, very promising and a very good player.

“I am so happy to play with him, together. He has now started in the Premier League and he was so good.”

And, after success at Bournemouth, Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp told viewers: “Going away has really helped him grow as a player and the Premier League is so unforgiving.

“Having Gabriel alongside him, I know he is still a young player but he has that authority. They look like a real partnership and if you can keep them fit they have half a chance.

“Even when they were coming under pressure they withstood it and three games in the signs look very very good.”

As well as inspiring the catchiest terrace chant of the season (tequila, anybody?), Saliba has also garnered a cult following for his somewhat unfiltered approach to post-match interviews.

Speaking after their 2-1 win over Villa, a result that kept Arsenal top of the Premier League, the 21-year-old was asked about his relationship with Gabriel and said: “Yeah, he’s a good guy.

“He’s young, but with his head [hairline] he looks old, but he’s still young and a good guy!”


READ MORE: The 15 players Arsenal have signed on deadline day and how they fared