“Forget about Haland or Mo Salah, Arsenal is blessed with a player who is the best in the Premier League”- Arsenal icon Theirry Henry picks out Arsenal star who is the best in the Premier league “by a mile”- Not Saka, Not Rice and not Martinelli

“Forget about Haland or Mo Salah, Arsenal is blessed with a player who is the best in the Premier League”- Arsenal icon Theirry Henry picks out Arsenal star who is the best in the Premier league “by a mile”- Not Saka, Not Rice and not Martinelli

Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has declared that William Saliba is the standout defender in the Premier League “by a mile.” Henry, considered one of the best players in Premier League history, commended Saliba’s exceptional defensive skills, highlighting his ability to excel in one-on-one situations and contribute to Arsenal’s higher defensive line.

In a recent interview on Amazon Prime Sport, Henry praised Saliba’s defensive prowess, stating, “Right now, I think he [Saliba] is [the best], by a mile. The way he can defend a 1 v 1, the way he allows Arsenal to stay higher [up the pitch] and defend the 45-50 yards behind him is second to none.” Henry also highlighted Saliba’s speed, recovery capabilities, and his tendency to play the ball strategically to his teammates after winning possession.

Reflecting on Saliba’s loan spell at Marseille in the 2021/22 season, Henry expressed surprise that Arsenal didn’t retain him, believing Saliba was superior to other options. However, upon his return, Saliba has proven himself, accumulating over 50 appearances for Arsenal.

Saliba, now 22, faced challenges in breaking into the Arsenal lineup after joining from Saint Etienne in 2019. Loan spells at Saint Etienne, Nice, and Marseille preceded his emergence as a key player under Mikel Arteta’s management.

Former Arsenal player Ray Parlour shares Henry’s optimism about Saliba’s future, asserting that the 22-year-old could evolve into the best defender globally. Comparing Saliba to a young Tony Adams, Parlour acknowledged Saliba’s room for improvement but lauded his performances, asserting that Arsenal is fortunate to have him.

As Saliba prepares for Arsenal’s upcoming fixture against Aston Villa, it’s evident that his progress is drawing attention and acclaim. Despite Unai Emery’s tenure during Saliba’s signing, the defender never played under Emery before the manager’s departure. The anticipation surrounding Saliba’s potential and impact continues to grow within the football community.