Arsenal star William Saliba has revealed who he rates because the ‘best defender in history’.
The 23-year-old has been widely tipped to determine himself as top-of-the-line on this planet in the approaching years.
Some may even argue he has already reached that level, but his critics will point to his lack of trophies as reason to overlook him on this particular debate.
Saliba himself acknowledges that lifting silverware will boost his cause, citing the various trophies won by Sergio Ramos as justification for labelling him the ‘best defender in history’.
Ramos became one of the decorated players of all time during his 16-year spell at Real Madrid, lifting five La Liga titles and 4 Champions League on the Bernabeu.
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The 38-year-old helped Paris Saint-Germain win two league titles after leaving Real Madrid, while he was a key a part of the Spain side that won two European Championships either side of their World Cup win in 2010.
Saliba was eager to take home Ramos’ shirt when Arsenal played Sevilla in the course of the 2023-24 season as he rates the Spaniard because the ‘best in history’ ahead of Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk.
‘We played against him last season and naturally I wanted his shirt,’ Saliba said. But [Arsenal teammate] Gabriel also wanted it.
‘He wanted it so bad so he gave it to him. For me, he’s the very best in history. There may be some others like Van Dijk who’s unbelievable, Gabriel and others too.
‘Once I was younger everyone desired to be a striker or a winger, we didn’t take into consideration centre back but sometimes that’s football.
‘When you’re not adequate to play up front you might have to go on the back but I feel now it changes a bit you’ll be able to see more there are young players they need to be a centre back or full-back.
‘Sergio Ramos, top-of-the-line in history, showed you don’t should be so big [to be the world’s best] but in fact it is sweet if you happen to are big. Everyone has their very own qualities so it depends.
‘I actually have to attain more goals and help my team to win some trophies. Whenever you win you’ll be able to say you might be the very best.
‘We haven’t won and this season I didn’t help but we’re still within the Champions League so we’d like to push ourselves.’
Arsenal will face Ramos’ former club Real Madrid within the quarter-finals of the Champions League after Mikel Arteta’s side thumped PSV and Carlo Ancelotti’s team edged past Atletico Madrid.
For now, the Gunners turn their attentions to a Premier League clash with London rivals Chelsea on Sunday. Real Madrid, meanwhile, travel to Villarreal on Saturday as they appear to catch La Liga leaders Barcelona.
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