William Saliba Makes A Bold Statement About Himself

Arsenal star William Saliba believes he is close to being at the top of his profession but insists there is still room for improvement.

Speaking to Telefoot, the 23-year-old centre-back said: “I think I am one of the best, but not yet the best defender in the world. I can still become much better one day, I hope to improve.”

Saliba has enjoyed another outstanding season for Arsenal, establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s most dominant defenders. His partnership with Gabriel Magalhães at the heart of the Gunners’ defense has been a key factor in Arsenal’s success both domestically and in Europe this season.

Known for his calmness on the ball, exceptional reading of the game, and physical strength, Saliba has earned widespread praise from pundits, former players, and managers. Many regard him as one of the finest young defenders in world football, and his performances have drawn comparisons to some of the very best centre-backs of recent generations.

However, Saliba’s comments reveal a maturity and self-awareness that match his footballing ability. Rather than getting carried away with the acclaim, he remains focused on developing even further. His determination to refine his game and his acknowledgment that there is still a long way to go show exactly why he has risen so quickly at such a young age.

At Arsenal, Mikel Arteta has played a crucial role in Saliba’s progression. After initial loan spells at Saint-Étienne, Nice, and Marseille, the French international returned to North London and quickly made himself indispensable. Arteta’s faith in Saliba has been repaid, with the defender becoming a foundational piece of the manager’s long-term vision for the club.

Saliba’s humility also shines through in his willingness to recognize areas for improvement. Despite excelling in many aspects, he continues to work on his aerial dominance, leadership on the pitch, and positional play. His ambition to become the best is not rooted in arrogance but in a deep hunger to maximize his potential.

Off the pitch, Saliba remains grounded. His calm demeanor and team-first mentality have made him a popular figure among teammates and fans alike. Arsenal supporters have embraced him as one of their own, and many believe that with Saliba anchoring the backline, the club is well positioned for sustained success.

Internationally, Saliba has also made strides with the French national team. While competition for places is fierce, his performances at club level are making him increasingly difficult to ignore for Didier Deschamps. With major tournaments on the horizon, Saliba will be aiming to establish himself as a regular starter for Les Bleus.

As Arsenal continue to compete for major honors, having a player of Saliba’s quality — and more importantly, his mindset — is invaluable. His blend of talent, humility, and drive to improve could very well see him achieve his ambition of becoming the best defender in the world.

For now, Saliba is happy to let his performances do the talking — but make no mistake, his ceiling is sky-high.