William Saliba has shown himself to be one of the best centre-backs in the world at Arsenal, but Marcel Desailly believes that the defender will move to Real Madrid
William Saliba is one of Arsenal's leading lights
William Saliba is one of Arsenal's leading lights(Image: Getty Images)
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Former Chelsea defender Marcel Desailly is adamant William Saliba will one day play for Real Madrid after declaring him the world's best centre-half.
Saliba has flourished at the Emirates ever since becoming a regular in 2022, which came after several loan spells away. He now forms a centre-half partnership with Gabriel that has been regarded as the best in Europe.
Arsenal claimed Premier League glory last season with their defensive solidity the foundation of their success. Desailly now believes that Saliba has marked himself out as the best in the world in his position, exceeding the likes of Virgil van Dijk, who had been the standard for so long.
The Frenchman also suggested that Gabriel's plaudits come off the back of him playing alongside Saliba. The ex-Chelsea captain Desailly told Sportscasting: "Who do I think is the best centre-back in the world? It's not Virgil van Dijk.
"He has his level, we know, there's no doubt he's a great defender. But on some occasions, he has shown a little bit of weakness.
"I would put William Saliba there, even though he has some problems with his back, I think he's in the conversation for the world's best centre-back. Saliba is definitely one of the best ones. Gabriel is only there because of Saliba – so Gabriel, no, he's not in the conversation.
"Who else can we say? At Manchester United, there's nothing. Chelsea, not at that level. Inter Milan, AC Milan, absolutely not. So I would say Saliba is part of the defensive elite who have that consistency and are capable of winning their one-v-ones no matter who comes across them."
In September last year, Saliba signed a five-year deal to keep him at the north Londoners until the summer of 2030, but a move has still been talked up. Desailly foresees a day when Saliba is playing for Los Blancos.
Marcel Desailly
Marcel Desailly has given his verdict(Image: @beINSPORTS_EN/Twitter)
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"Yes, yes. I do expect William Saliba to one day wear the colours of Real Madrid," he said. "He's committed to Arsenal for the next, I don’t know, four years.
"But he's young, so why not? The door is open, and all the best players want to play for Real Madrid at some point in their careers. The door is open. But not now. Not now. He is the best central defender, so it is what it is today."
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