At just 23 years old, William Saliba has quickly risen to become one of the Premier League’s most promising talents, playing an instrumental role in Arsenal’s title pursuit during the 2022-23 season.
His journey has been a steady progression, marked by a series of loan spells that prepared him to step up for Arsenal.
Now, Saliba is a cornerstone in Mikel Arteta’s defense, where he has built a formidable partnership with Brazilian center-back Gabriel, providing Arsenal with a reliable defensive foundation.
Saliba’s impact was particularly significant last season, where he achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the first outfield player in Arsenal’s history to play every single minute of a Premier League campaign.
His consistency and reliability were crucial to Arsenal’s near-success, helping them to finish just two points shy of Manchester City and earning the league’s best defensive record.
His defensive prowess not only underscored his importance at the club but also elevated his status in the league as a top-tier player.
Beyond his club performances, Saliba has also made a strong impression on the international stage.
His performances have earned him 23 caps for the French national team, and he was a significant presence in Les Bleus’ squad during Euro 2024.
As his influence grows with both Arsenal and the French team, Saliba is emerging as a key figure who represents a new generation of defenders in Europe.
However, despite his growing reputation, Saliba remains focused on a larger goal: winning trophies.
He believes that lifting titles is the ultimate measure of a player’s success and is determined to add silverware to his career to truly establish himself among the world’s best.
In a recent interview with Fox Sports Mexico, Saliba spoke candidly about his ambitions, explaining that while he is proud of his progress, he sees winning titles as the essential next step in his career.
Reflecting on his development, Saliba remarked, “I’ve been on the right path for two seasons now, especially last season.”
He went on to express his ambition, stating, “I may be on my way to becoming the best defender in the world.
I think I’m one of the best right now, but to make that claim, I need to win titles. That’s what I’m missing.”
He elaborated on this point, saying, “When you win titles, people consider you among the greats, but if you don’t, it’s hard to argue you’re the best.
That’s my perspective. I see myself as one of the best defenders in the world, but I need to back it up with trophies.”
Saliba’s comments highlight a strong sense of determination and self-awareness.
While he acknowledges his accomplishments and current standing, he is driven by the desire to reach the highest level by winning titles, both for his club and country.
His commitment to this goal will likely continue to fuel his performances on the pitch, as he aims to secure his place not just as a standout talent, but as one of the game’s great defenders.
