Saliba: I need titles before calling myself the best
Today at 06:12 AM
William Saliba says he can’t be considered the world’s best defender until he’s won major trophies.
Establishing himself as a regular for Arsenal and France, the 23-year-old has collected a series of personal accolades in the last three years, including Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year, two inclusions in the PFA Team of the Year and a place in the Euro 2024 Team of the Tournament. However, a lack of silverware clearly irks him.
"The last two seasons I’ve made a good step, especially last season,” the Frenchman told Fox Sports Mexico.
“I’ve worked hard to maybe become the best defender in the world. I think I am one of the best at the moment, but to say that I have to win some titles. I think that is what I am missing right now.
“If you win titles you are good and if you don’t, you can’t say you are the best. That’s what I believe. I am one of the best in the world,” he said.
'QUEREMOS COMPETIR ANTE EL MANCHESTER CITY COMO LO HEMOS HECHO LAS ÚLTIMAS DOS TEMPORADAS, PERO DEBEMOS HACER MÁS'
William Saliba habló de la competencia con el City, previo a su partido de este fin de semana
@RicardoSalesE, @christianelguea#LaPremierxPREMIUMpic.twitter.com/VO0JX51U1d
— CENTRAL FOX MX (@CentralFOXMX) September 17, 2024
One of the markers by which Saliba can measure his progress is his ability to lock down the best attackers in the world. And right now, they don’t come much more threatening than Erling Haaland, who he’ll renew acquaintances with on Sunday when Arsenal visit the Etihad.
The Norway international has scored 12 goals in four games to help City to the top of the table; form that has left the Gunners laughing.
Having prevented the striker from having a shot on target in two encounters last season, Saliba is hoping for more of the same.
"He is a great player. One of the best in the world. It is difficult to play against him but last season we gave everything to stop him and others from scoring and they didn’t succeed," noted Saliba.
And on going toe-to-toe with City he added: “Of course we want to compete against Manchester City like we have done in the last two seasons but we know we have to do more.
“As I said, we have to compete against City but we also have to do it against other teams because it is not just about City.
"If you win against them but not against the others it doesn’t mean anything. So, of course we want to win this weekend and we will give everything to win but it’s not the end on Sunday.”
The post Saliba: I need titles before calling myself the best appeared first on Arseblog News - the Arsenal news site.
