Martin Keown has heaped praise on French defender William Saliba, acknowledging his doggedness in making his way to the top at Arsenal. Saliba has been a key player for Gunners in recent seasons, forming a formidable partnership with Gabriel Magalhães at the heart of defense.
However, Saliba didn’t have it easy breaking into Arsenal’s starting XI. After joining the north London club from Saint-Étienne in 2019, the Frenchman was immediately loaned back to the Ligue 1 side to continue his development.
Although Saliba returned to the Emirates in the summer of 2020, he didn’t get enough game time and was loaned to OGC Nice in January 2021. He returned to the Gunners that summer, but was sent on another season-long loan, this time to Marseille.
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In what was a turning point for Saliba, Marseille turned out to be his last club for a loan spell as he became a regular starter for the Gunners from the start of the 2022/23 campaign. Since then, he has been stalwart in Arsenal’s defense.
During a recent discussion on talkSPORT, Gunners legend Martin Keown weighed in on Saliba’s rise at the north London club. Keown said:
"Well firstly, you don't normally go on loan for three years when you arrive at a top-level club. He could've been forgiven for thinking maybe he wasn't a part of the future at Arsenal. But instead, the future has been built around him, he's that good."
"I do think the last two or three games he's dropped a little bit in an Arsenal shirt. That's just a confidence thing. Gabriel is doing equally as well around him, so it's about partnerships. But he's a Rolls Royce in the way he plays."
In Saliba’s first season as a starter, the Gunners conceded 43 goals in the Premier League, which was the joint third-fewest. In the following campaign (2023/24), they conceded the fewest goals (29) in the Premier League.
Furthermore, Saliba is the fastest player to reach 50 league wins for the Gunners. He achieved the feat in their EPL opener against Wolverhampton Wanderers this season.
"He is at the top of the tree" – Martin Keown says Arsenal star ranks among Premier League best defenders in recent years
Martin Keown played down William Saliba’s recent loss of form and claimed that he is still one of the top defenders in the English top flight. Keown said:
"Listen, this guy plays so many games. He's got to 50 Premier League wins quicker than any Arsenal player, that just says it all. There's been some top defenders and some really good eras in recent times and there he is at the top of the tree."
So far, Saliba has made 122 appearances for the Gunners and has scored seven goals and provided two assists. The Frenchman will return to action with the north London side on Tuesday, April 1.
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Martin Keown Praises William Saliba's Arsenal Journey and Defensive Prowess
Arsenal legend Martin Keown has lauded French defender William Saliba for his resilience and determination in establishing himself as a top player at Arsenal. Saliba's crucial role in the Gunners' defense, alongside Gabriel Magalhães, has not gone unnoticed, with Keown acknowledging his significant contribution in recent seasons.
Saliba's path to becoming a mainstay in Arsenal's first team was not straightforward. Upon his arrival from Saint-Étienne in 2019, Arsenal strategically loaned him back to the French club to facilitate his continued growth and maturity.
Despite returning to Arsenal in the summer of 2020, regular game time remained elusive. Consequently, another loan spell followed in January 2021, this time to OGC Nice. He rejoined the Gunners once more that summer, only to be loaned out again for the 2021/22 season to Marseille.
Marseille proved to be a pivotal loan destination for Saliba. This experience marked a turning point, serving as his final loan assignment before he cemented his place as a regular starter for Arsenal from the 2022/23 season onwards. Since then, Saliba has become an indispensable figure in Arsenal's defensive lineup.
During a recent discussion on talkSPORT, Martin Keown highlighted Saliba's Arsenal journey and his importance to the team:
"Well firstly, you don't normally go on loan for three years when you arrive at a top-level club. He could've been forgiven for thinking maybe he wasn't a part of the future at Arsenal. But instead, the future has been built around him, he's that good."
Keown further elaborated on Saliba’s recent performances and overall quality:
"I do think the last two or three games he's dropped a little bit in an Arsenal shirt. That's just a confidence thing. Gabriel is doing equally as well around him, so it's about partnerships. But he's a Rolls Royce in the way he plays."
Saliba's Impact on Arsenal's Defensive Record
Saliba's presence in the team has demonstrably improved Arsenal's defense. In his first season as a starter, Arsenal conceded just 43 Premier League goals, ranking amongst the best defensive records in the league. The subsequent 2023/24 campaign witnessed an even greater defensive solidity, with the Gunners conceding a league-low of only 29 goals.
Adding to his accolades, William Saliba also holds the record for the fastest Arsenal player to reach 50 Premier League wins, achieving this milestone in the EPL season opener against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Keown reaffirmed Saliba's status among the Premier League's elite defenders, downplaying any recent dip in form:
"Listen, this guy plays so many games. He's got to 50 Premier League wins quicker than any Arsenal player, that just says it all. There's been some top defenders and some really good eras in recent times and there he is at the top of the tree."
To date, Saliba has made 122 appearances for Arsenal, contributing with seven goals and two assists. Arsenal fans eagerly anticipate his return to the pitch when the team resumes action on Tuesday, April 1.
What do you think about William Saliba's influence on Arsenal's defense? Let us know in the comments below!