In a recent discussion, Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk openly acknowledged that he was far from the level of Arsenal’s William Saliba when they were both at the same stage in their careers. Saliba, now 23, has rapidly ascended in stature over the past few seasons, drawing favorable comparisons to the seasoned Van Dijk, who is currently 33 years old.
Saliba’s journey began when he was signed by Arsenal for £27 million in 2019. However, his initial years were marked by loans back to France, which posed a challenge for his development. It wasn’t until the 2022-23 season that manager Mikel Arteta incorporated him into the first team. From there, Saliba quickly became a cornerstone of Arsenal’s defense, playing a crucial role as the team competed closely with Manchester City for the Premier League title. His contributions helped Arsenal secure a strong second-place finish last season, where he notably became the first outfield player in the club’s Premier League history to play every minute of a season.
When asked about young defenders making an impact, Van Dijk highlighted Saliba as a prime example, praising his solid performances and skills in possession. In a conversation with former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand, Van Dijk reflected on his own development, admitting that he was “nowhere near” Saliba’s current ability at the same age. He emphasized the importance of learning from other players, noting that football provides an excellent platform for growth through observation and adaptation.
Throughout his career, Van Dijk has been a pivotal player for Liverpool, helping the team clinch the Premier League title in 2020 and the Champions League trophy in 2019. He has often faced tough challenges from teams like Manchester City and Arsenal, where the level of competition is particularly intense. Van Dijk expressed that any momentary lapse in concentration against such formidable opponents can lead to immediate consequences, highlighting the competitive nature of the Premier League.
In turn, Saliba has expressed admiration for Van Dijk, considering him one of the standout defenders in recent years. However, Saliba also acknowledged that Manchester City’s Ruben Dias outperformed everyone last season, placing himself in the mix of elite defenders. He expressed a desire to one day surpass them in stature, underlining his ambition and determination to become a top player in the league. This mutual respect between the two defenders underscores the high standards and evolving landscape of Premier League football.
