'Southwark Saliba': Millwall man compared to Arsenal star as Brentford could regret transfer

Millwall defender Tristan Crama was likened too Arsenal stalwart William Saliba by the club following a dominant performance against play-off-chasing Middlesbrough at The Den on Saturday afternoon.

The Lions kept Boro out and picked up a 1-0 in to boost their own hopes of claiming a late play-off spot. Camiel Neghli was the difference maker with the goal but it was another impressive showing from Crama, who continued at centre-back having fulfilled that role against Sheffield United in midweek.

Alex Neil’s side have now kept two clean sheets in a row and the club shared an image of Crama on social media after the win over Middlesbrough with the caption ‘The Southwark Saliba’ - alluding to Arsenal centre-back William Saliba, who is widely regarded as one of the best defenders in the Premier League.

Millwall defender compared to Arsenal star

Crama signed for Millwall during the January transfer window, completing a move across the capital from Brentford. The player had been on loan at League One side Exeter City for the first half of the 2024/25 season but was recalled ahead of his permanent switch to The Den for an undisclosed fee.

The 23-year-old never made a senior appearance for Brentford, despite spending five years on the books at the club following a move from Beziers in 2020. The Bees may be beginning to regret their decision of selling the star as he continues to impress at Millwall, taking no time to become a regular at the outfit that is currently challenging to fight for Premier League promotion.

Lions head coach Neil shared praise for the player following last week’s win over Sheffield United. That was the first time that Crama played in his more natural centre-back role. The defender had been used as a makeshift full-back amid injuries to Ryan Leonard and Danny McNamara but a wrist injury to Japhet Tanganga saw the Frenchman moved central.

Alex Neil praises Tristan Crama

Neil said: “I thought he was super. A lot of the headers that he won as well, I thought he did really well. His pace, he’s so quick with any ball down the side.

“Tyrese Campbell who I worked with is lightning [quick]. I’ve seen him so many times since he’s been here in particular, get down the sides of people’s left foot. But I thought Tristan covered all his bases. It was helpful that I knew Tyrese so I could try and give him a few pointers but the easy bit is telling him, the hard bit is doing it and he did it great.”

Having signed the player for the club in January, Director of Football Steve Gallen said: "Tristan is a player we've been watching for a while. He is a young, mobile centre-half who can handle the ball. There were a few clubs in for him but he chose us - I'm really pleased we managed to secure his signature. I look forward to him being a part of this football club for years to come."

In other news, QPR’s imminent summer signing has been hailed as ‘something special’ following a seven-minute brace.