Former Arsenal and Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant has delivered a huge William Saliba claim in the ongoing Virgil van Dijk debate. The Netherlands international is regarded by some as the best Premier League centre-back of all-time, but to others he does not even crack the top-five.
As he closes in on 300 appearances for Liverpool, van Dijk continues to be a crucial player for the Reds but, at 33, could soon be facing a big retirement decision. Meanwhile, in north London, Saliba is showcasing similar levels to van Dijk but, at 23, he is doing so at a much younger age.
[The transfer interest from European champions Real Madrid is further proof of his ability](https://www.football.london/arsenal-fc/transfer-news/william-saliba-shows-true-arsenal-30517058), and he's now been told that he could surpass van Dijk's legacy, but only on one key condition.
"If William Saliba continues on the trajectory that he's on already, then there's no reason why he can't overtake Virgil van Dijk, in terms of ability," he told [Mega Dice](https://www.mega-dice43.com/en). "We've seen him mark out some of the best players in the game; Erling Haaland didn't get a sniff when Manchester City faced Arsenal last season.
"At the same time, van Dijk has had the same effect. He nullified Haaland when Liverpool faced City.
"I think they're both similar players; they're quick, good on the ball and very tough to beat one-on-one.
"Presently, I don’t think Saliba's there yet, though. If he can get some trophies under his belt, then you can start including him in the same conversation because he certainly possesses the potential."
The Frenchman is yet to win silverware while representing the Gunners, but will certainly hope to change that in the next few years. Arsenal have just fallen short in the last two title races, but they continue to strengthen their squad and look set, once again, to compete in all four competitions they are in.