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Soccer

William Gallas names the best centre-back in the Premier League ahead of new season

William Gallas names the best centre-back in the Premier League ahead of new seasonGLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images
The Frenchman heaped significant praise on a certain player.

William Gallas has labelled Arsenal defender William Saliba as the 'best centre-back in the Premier League'. 

Saliba has played a pivotal role in Arsenal's recent Premier League title challenges and at the age of 23, he is yet to reach his peak. 

If Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta can hold onto Saliba for the next couple of seasons, then there is no doubt silverware will eventually be brought to the Emirates Stadium. 

Speaking in an interview with Genting Casino, Gallas had plenty of praise for Saliba and even compared him to a Premier League legend. 

"I think that he is the best centre back in the Premier League," Gallas said of Saliba. 

"Let’s give him the credit that he deserves after developing into such a magnificent defender.

"A couple of years ago, I said he reminded me of Rio Ferdinand. He has that grace and calmness that Ferdinand had. His positioning is always exemplary. Funnily enough, I saw Rio say that he reminded him of himself too.

"He is such a brilliant player. I would put Saliba at the top of the list, but I also have to give credit to Virgil for the magnificent career that he has had. He’s still a class player.

"Then you could name any of the Manchester City centre backs. Dias, Akanji, Nathan Ake, who I think is actually really underrated. These are all proper, proper defenders."

Saliba will be hoping he can help this Arsenal team get off to a winning start when the Gunners host Wolverhampton Wanderers in their first game of the Premier League season on Saturday. 

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