Former Arsenal defender says Mikel Arteta has ‘best’ defender in Premier League at his disposal

Former Arsenaldefender Bacary Sagna has dubbed William Saliba as the club’s ‘most important player’ and ‘best’ defender in the Premier League.

Saliba was in excellent form in October, starting all of Arsenal's games and playing a leading role in the victories over Manchester City and Sevilla.

“I think he is Arsenal’s most important player,” Sagna told Genting Casino.

“When he got injured last year, Arsenal started to lose points because he is the pillar of the defence. I think Arsenal could have been champions if Saliba stayed fit. There aren’t many players that can keep Erling Haaland, the best striker in the world, quiet. Saliba is one of them.

“He is so composed on the ball. Physically, he doesn’t get bullied. His performances are so mature. He is a natural leader. He is humble; he never shows off on the pitch after he does something well. You never see him react. He is always so cold-blooded.

“He does things on the pitch naturally and performs his job perfectly. He has a brilliant focus. That is the mark of the best players, when they do something well on the pitch, they treat it as just a part of their job. I think Saliba is the best centre back in the league. With his spirit and humility, he will continue to get better and better.”

Sagna also believes Gabriel Martinelli is one of the two standout players in the Premier League this season, alongside Manchester City star Phil Foden.

The Brazil forward was recently ranked by CIES as the second best under-23 dribbler in European football.

“I really love Gabriel Martinelli,” he said.

“He is having a big impact for Arsenal whenever he plays. He is a completely fearless player. When he gets the ball, he has one thing on his mind and that is to take on players and beat them. He has audacity. That is what you need if you want to be a top player at a big club, you need to have audacity and courage to perform from a very young age. Martinelli has that.

“It’s not easy to do what he is doing in the best league in the world. It’s not easy to make an impact at one of the biggest clubs in the world, but Martinelli does it without any pressure. Everything that he does on the pitch is impactful for Arsenal and he gives them so much with and without the ball.”

Arsenal face Newcastle at St. James' Park in the evening kick off on Saturday, with the Gunners hoping to bounce back from their defeat to West Ham in the Carabao Cup.

Eddie Howe's side are unbeaten in six league games and produced another convincing win against Manchester United in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.