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William Saliba already admitted Virgil van Dijk truth despite wild Gary Neville claim

-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


William Saliba may be one of the best defenders in the Premier League but knows he is yet to reach the levels of Virgil van Dijk.

The Arsenal center-back has come on leaps and bounds since making his Gunners bow two years ago and has established a rock-solid partnership with Gabriel Magalhaes in the heart of Mikel Arteta's defense, helping his side to concede the fewest goals (29) in the Premier League last season.

His performances in the top flight have led the Frenchman to be named in the PFA Team of the Year in his last two seasons, while he even earned himself a place in the Team of the Tournament for Euro 2024 following some strong displays for France.

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Saliba has started the new campaign in impressive fashion alongside Gabriel for Arsenal, helping the Gunners to keep clean sheets in each of its three victories against Wolves, Aston Villa and Tottenham. There was also a shut-out against Atalanta in the Champions League last week, as well as against Belgium for France earlier this month.

But as the game got underway between Liverpool's title rivals Manchester City and Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, Manchester United legend Gary Neville, who was speaking on co-comms for Sky Sports, said Saliba and Gabriel are "the best two center backs in the country."

Now, while this is, of course, completely up for debate, the fact Neville completely dismissed Virgil van Dijk with his statement is remarkable to say the least. The Liverpool captain may be 33-years-old but he is still at the very peak of his physical powers and showing no signs of slowing down.

Virgil van Dijk has been dismissed by Gary Neville as the best center-back in the Premier League
Virgil van Dijk has been dismissed by Gary Neville as the best center-back in the Premier League

Had Neville said Saliba and Gabriel are the best centre-back 'pairing' in the country then it's fair to say this is a fair argument to be had. But to say they are both better than Van Dijk and even Ibrahima Konate is a wild claim.

Luckily, though, Saliba has already proved he doesn't share quite the same opinion as Neville. Despite believing he is in the top three best defenders in the Premier League, the 23-year-old claims Van Dijk remains "the boss".

Speaking to L’Equipe earlier this year, he said: “Van Dijk has aura, for example. He’s the boss, he commands everything. You feel he scares attackers, but I’m starting to feel the same way.”

He added: “I think I am in the top three [defenders in the league], yes. We finished as the best defense, I watch a lot of matches. I am a very humble person but last season, just like this season, I am in the top three defenders.”