During a recent press conference, Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch made waves in the football world with a bold and unexpected claim that has sparked widespread debate.
Despite celebrating a Premier League title with Liverpool, Gravenberch chose to focus on individual brilliance rather than team accolades.
In doing so, he expressed strong admiration for a certain Arsenal defender, even ranking him above his fellow countryman and defensive stalwart, Virgil van Dijk, in terms of one-on-one defending.
Gravenberch’s statement was both surprising and thought-provoking.
“Let’s put the league title aside for a moment,” he said.
“There’s a defender right now who is arguably the best in the world. When it comes to 1v1 defending, not even Van Dijk matches his level.”
Although he refrained from naming the player explicitly, many fans and insiders are convinced he was referring to Arsenal centre-back William Saliba.
Saliba, the young French defender, has been a cornerstone of Arsenal’s impressive campaign this season, both domestically and in Europe.
Known for his composure on the ball, tactical intelligence, and exceptional pace, Saliba has consistently shut down top-tier attackers with confidence and ease.
His performances in high-pressure situations, especially in one-on-one scenarios, have drawn praise from pundits, teammates, and now even rivals.
The impact of Gravenberch’s words is particularly significant considering his national connection to Van Dijk, who has long been viewed as one of the premier defenders in world football.
By choosing to elevate Saliba above Van Dijk in a key defensive aspect, Gravenberch has added fuel to the growing belief that Saliba is fast becoming one of the elite defenders in the game.
Saliba’s rise has not gone unnoticed, with Arsenal fans and neutral observers alike acknowledging his role in the club’s title charge and deep run in the Champions League.
His ability to stay composed under pressure, read the game with maturity, and dominate physical battles has made him a standout figure in Mikel Arteta’s squad.
Gravenberch’s endorsement serves as a powerful validation of Saliba’s development and current form.
With crucial matches still to play, the spotlight will remain firmly on the Frenchman to see whether he can maintain this high standard and justify the high praise he’s received.
As the season reaches its climax, Saliba’s performances will be closely watched, with many wondering if he will not only meet but exceed the expectations set by his peers.
