‘Classy’… Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker agree that £27m Arsenal player was amazing last year

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Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer have given their verdict on Arsenal and France international central defender William Saliba.

The former Tottenham Hotspur striker and the Newcastle United legend have said that that Saliba was the best centre-back in the Premier League in 2023.

So, what has been said about Arsenal and France international central defender William Saliba? Let’s take a look.

Praise for Arsenal and France centre-back William Saliba

Well, Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker have been looking back at 2023, and one of the players who has impressed them is Arsenal and France international centre-back William Saliba.

Former Tottenham Hotspur striker Gary Lineker believes that Saliba was the best central defender in the Premier League in 2023.

Lineker has outlined what makes the £27 million (Sky Sports) 22-year-old centre-back so special.

Former Newcastle United striker and BBC Match of the Day pundit Alan Shearer has agreed with Lineker.

Lineker said about Saliba on the Rest is Football podcast: “He is just very graceful. Easy on the eye. He glides across the grace. Really good on the ball and without it. He’s the sort of central defender you wouldn’t want to play against.”

Shearer responded: “I agree with everything you said about him. He is just good on the eye. He’s a classy centre-half. Times it to perfect, so I’m not going to argue with that.”

My View: William Saliba could become world class

In my view, Arsenal and France international central defender William Saliba could become world class in the coming years.

Saliba is just 22 now and he is already playing week in and week out for an elite club like Arsenal. Frank Leboeuf has been impressed.

The youngster is also a mainstay in the France squad and is playing against top teams in the UEFA Champions League.

You do not get to do all that at the age of 22 if you are not special. And, Saliba is very special. Danny Murphy rates him very highly.

The defender has made 47 appearances in the Premier League so far in his career. Saliba has scored three goals, given two assists and kept 18 clean sheets in those games.