The Gunners have found a star who can help them ensure the future of their defense, both now and in the future.
Since returning to the Emirates in 2022, William Saliba has become an irreplaceable piece of the Arsenal defense.
Having gone through an incomplete 2022/23 season due to an injury at the end of the season, the young French star entered the new season with great determination.
Saliba appeared in all 37 Arsenal matches, equivalent to 3,330 minutes, and became the player with the most clean sheets this season (18).
His presence in the center of defense is an important factor that helps the Emirates Stadium team become the best defensive club in the Premier League, conceding only 28 goals.
Not only did Saliba show an excellent individual performance, he also created a strong bond with Gabriel Magalhaes. They cover each other well and become a big obstacle for any attacker.
Saliba’s class was most specifically demonstrated when he won the title of best player in the match during Arsenal’s trips to Etihad, Anfield and Old Trafford.
Even though they encounter top goal-scoring machines, Saliba knows how to contain them. In front of the 23-year-old midfielder, it can be said that Erling Haaland – who will likely have his second consecutive season winning the Golden Boot – also “turns off”.
Saliba shows strong tackling ability, but the way he acts is also very timely and rarely receives a yellow card.
The French star only received 4 yellow cards in the Premier League this season, averaging 833 minutes per card.
In terms of ball distribution, Saliba also shows that he is an expert. Saliba is in the 97th percentile for pass success rate (92.48%). After 2,645 passes that the French star threw, 2,446 passes reached the correct address.
It cannot be denied that Saliba also had moments of mistakes, however he soon corrected them and continued to bring certainty to the Gunners’ defensive line.
