Arsenal defender Williams Saliba has revealed opponents are beginning to fear him now as he likens himself to Liverpool centre back Virgl Van Dijk.
Arsenal defender likens himself to Van Dijk
Saliba expressed his admiration for Van Dijk and acknowledged that he is beginning to “feel the same” as the Dutch international.
Van Dijk, who finished as runner up to Lionel Messi in the 2019 Ballon d’Or, is regarded as one of the best defenders in the world over recent years, having helped Liverpool win numerous trophies, including the Premier League and the Champions League.
Saliba, meanwhile, is nine years younger than the Dutch defender, and is steadily enjoying a fast rise. The Frenchman is regarded as one of the best defenders in the Premier League, having been a key figure in the heart of Arsenal’s defense for two consecutive seasons.
What Saliba said
Speaking in an interview ahead of the European Championship in Germany, the 23-year-old defender, spoke about his improvement and how he scares attackers, likening himself to Van Dijk.
”Van Dijk has aura,’ he told L’Equipe. ‘He’s the boss. He commands everything. You can feel he’s scaring strikers away. And I’m starting to feel the same way.”
Despite his impressive form for the Gunners, Saliba is more of a fringe player in the French national team, as Ibrahima Konate is preferred in the center-back position instead of him.
As Didier Deschamps’ team looks to recover from their 2022 World Cup final defeat, Saliba will be eager to force his way into the starting lineup in the coming Euro tournament.
