Manchester United legend, Rio Ferdinand, recently expressed his admiration for Arsenal defender William Saliba, predicting that he could become the best centre-back in the world.
This bold statement was made during a discussion on "Rio Ferdinand Presents," where Ferdinand also acknowledged that only Manchester United's Leny Yoro could potentially rival Saliba's prowess.
William Saliba's journey to becoming one of the most talked-about defenders in the Premier League has been nothing short of remarkable. The Frenchman, who joined Arsenal from Saint-Étienne in 2019, initially faced challenges in securing a regular spot in the starting lineup.
However, under the guidance of manager Mikel Arteta, Saliba has blossomed into a formidable force at the heart of Arsenal's defense. His recent performance against Manchester United, where he scored the Gunners' second goal in a 2-0 victory at the Emirates Stadium, further solidified his reputation as a rising star.
Ferdinand's endorsement of Saliba is massive, given his own illustrious career as one of the Premier League's greatest centre-backs. During his time at Manchester United, Ferdinand won six Premier League titles, three League Cups, one European Cup, and one World Club Cup.
His experience and insight into the game lend weight to his assessment of Saliba's potential. "I think he [Saliba] is going to be the best defender in the world," Ferdinand stated confidently. He went on to add, "Saliba will be the best defender in the world when Virgil van Dijk gives up that post."
The mention of Virgil van Dijk is noteworthy, as the Dutch defender is widely regarded as one of the best centre-backs in the history of the Premier League. Van Dijk's impact at Liverpool has been transformative, helping the club secure both the Premier League and Champions League titles.
His ability to read the game, combined with his physical presence and leadership qualities, have set a high standard for defenders worldwide. For Ferdinand to suggest that Saliba could surpass Van Dijk is a testament to the young Frenchman's potential.
However, Ferdinand did not stop at praising Saliba alone. He also highlighted the talents of Leny Yoro, a promising young defender who recently joined Manchester United from Lille. At just 18 years old, Yoro is already being touted as one of the best young defenders in the world.
His courage, ability to drive the ball forward, and suitability for a high defensive line make him an ideal fit for modern football. "The only person I see, the person who I think will rival him and it will be close is Leny Yoro," Ferdinand remarked, acknowledging the potential rivalry between the two young stars.
Yoro's move to Manchester United was a massive coup for the club, as he was highly coveted by major teams across Europe. His £52 million transfer fee reflects the high expectations placed upon him, and sporting director Dan Ashworth described him as "one of the most exciting young defenders in world football." Yoro's arrival at Old Trafford is seen as a strategic move to bolster United's defense and build a team capable of challenging for top honors in the coming years.
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