Watch: William Saliba destroys Spurs opponent with filthy dragback
William Saliba has been one of the breakout stars of the season to date and the Arsenal defender underlined his status with an impressive display against Tottenham on Saturday – destroying Oliver Skipp in the process.
Saliba has emerged as a vital component of Mikel Arteta’s consistently improving side who will remain top of the Premier League table for another week at least after beating Spurs 3-1 at the Emirates.
Second-half goals from Gabriel Jesus and Granit Xhaka proved decisive, but it was the commanding display of the 21-year-old Saliba that really caught the eye.
And Rio Ferdinand, who knows a thing or two about defending, lavished the France international with praise after their latest victory.
Asked on BT Sport about Saliba’s biggest asset, Ferdinand said: “I think his composure. He’s very strong, he’s mobile but it’s that composure in the pressure situations.
“Today he was the most composed centre-back on the pitch today, especially from Arsenal’s perspective.
“I think in the first half there were times in transition when Arsenal could’ve got hurt. How many times do you see him come out with the ball, advance a little bit and then play the ball to another red shirt?
“At the top level you need to be calm and composed in pressure situations and at the moment he’s showing that beyond his years.”
And Saliba demonstrated his compsoure with the filthiest of drag-backs to keep the ball from Tottenham’s clutches.
With Skipp closing in, the youngster imperiously shifted the ball between his feet to whoops of appreciation from the Emirates crowd.
Another famous name to sing Saliba’s praises on Saturday was Cesc Fabregas, who told BT Sport viewers: “Potentially he could be Arsenal’s centre back for the next 15 or 20 years.”
Stop that Saliba 😂😂😋 pic.twitter.com/WaTq5uqSan
— Bigsam (@BigSam90654061) October 1, 2022
READ MORE: The Premier League table since Arsenal hired Mikel Arteta in 2019