Arsenal‘s William Saliba has named himself within the Premier League‘s prime three defenders, however insisted Virgil van Dijk is “the boss.”
Regardless of being 32 years previous, Liverpool defender Van Dijk continues to be going sturdy and is revered by youthful Premier League centre-backs.
Amongst them is Arsenal‘s Saliba, who helped Mikel Arteta’s crew concede simply 29 Premier League targets within the 2023/24 season.
Nonetheless, he nonetheless sees Van Dijk as somebody he aspires to play like, regardless of Liverpool ending seven factors beneath the Gunners.
Talking to L’Equipe, he stated: “Van Dijk has aura, for instance. He’s the boss, he instructions every thing.
“You’re feeling he scares attackers, however I’m beginning to really feel the identical method.”
Speaking actually, however possibly not modestly, Saliba added: “I believe I’m within the prime three [defenders in the league], sure.
“We completed as the very best defence, I watch loads of matches. I’m a really humble individual however final season, identical to this season, I’m within the prime three defenders.”
It’s exhausting to argue with Saliba on that matter nonetheless, he nonetheless could not begin for France at Euro 2024.
Of their newest pleasant, a 3-0 win over Luxembourg, he began on the bench as Didier Deschamps performed three on the again.
In his place have been Dayot Upamecano, Jules Kounde and Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate. Ought to the Reds’ defender keep match, he’s anticipated to begin for the French.
This can doubtless be in a again 4 for the Euros, although Deschamps’ current choice has precipitated purpose to doubt that.
On the Euros, France face a gaggle containing Poland, Austria and the Netherlands.
The latter ought to be their hardest, with Van Dijk and co. aiming for his or her first European Championship glory since 1988, when the competitors was additionally hosted by Germany.
There may very well be 4 Liverpool gamers on the pitch when France play the Netherlands on June 21 at 8pm (BST), with Cody Gakpo and Ryan Gravenberch within the Dutch squad too.
Elsewhere within the match, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joe Gomez will characteristic in Gareth Southgate’s England plans, whereas Andy Robertson and Dominik Szoboszlai will captain Scotland and Hungary respectively.
Additionally, Portugal will name upon Diogo Jota and Vitezslav Jaros will act as back-up goalkeeper within the Czech Republic squad.
