Brendan Rodgers says Arsenal have a 'fantastic' 21-year-old in their ranks

Arsenal defender William Saliba has been praised by Brendan Rodgers ahead of the Gunners taking on Leicester in the Premier League.

Mikel Arteta’s charges lock horns with Rodgers’ Foxes at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Arsenal kicked off the new Premier League campaign with a 2-0 win away at Crystal Palace.

Meanwhile, the Foxes took a 2-0 lead at home to Brentford, but the visitors fought back for a 2-2 draw.

Despite being on Arsenal’s books for three years, Saliba was actually making his competitive Gunners debut last Friday.

The £27million signing spent his first season on the Gunners’ books back on loan at his former club.

Then, Saliba spent the second half of 2020-21 at Nice, before playing for Marseille last season.

The Frenchman enjoyed a fruitful stint on loan at Marseille, making 51 appearances including 36 in Ligue 1.

Saliba’s efforts saw him win the Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year award and also make the team of the season.

During the last three years, Mikel Arteta often came in for criticism from fans for his approach towards Saliba.

However, the youngster needed time to develop, and the culmination of that was evident against Crystal Palace.

Saliba won the Man of the Match award for his display against Patrick Vieira’s side at Selhurst Park.

“He’s quick, he can dominate”

Speaking ahead of the game, Rodgers said Arsenal had gone up to a “new level” thanks in part to Saliba’s return.

“Arsenal have gone to a new level with the three players who have come into the team,” the Evening Standard quotes him as saying.

“Saliba is a talented player. He’s gone away and got really good experience and you see him, he’s quick, he can dominate.

“He’s a fantastic addition and gives them presence at the back.

“The two guys coming in from Man City have made a difference. They’re coming from a world-class environment.

“(Gabriel) Jesus is a world-class striker.”