David Seaman says he’s been really shocked by William Saliba for Arsenal

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David Seaman has told the Daily Express that he has been left shocked by William Saliba this season, insisting that his form for Arsenal has been incredible.

It is already remarkable to think that Saliba was awaiting the chance to make his Gunners debut before this campaign began. And there was even speculation that he may end up leaving the club permanently.

Of course, the centre-back had previously spent the large majority of his time on the club’s books out on loan. And he made a major impact at Marseille last year.

That spell proved to be pivotal. No longer could Mikel Arteta hold fire on handing Saliba his chance.

It was a big call to pick Saliba ahead of Ben White at centre-back. But the decision has been vindicated in some style. The Frenchman has been a revelation in the Premier League so far, helping the Gunners put themselves top of the table.

Certainly, Seaman did not expect Saliba to prove so influential so quickly this season.

“The fourth one, even though he’s not really a signing, is Saliba. It’s incredible what he’s been doing,” he told the Daily Express.

“Saliba has really shocked me because it just shows you how going out on loan works. He’s been out on loan for a few seasons, got really good experience and when you watch him now, you think he must be about 27 because he looks so confident.”

Seaman shocked by Saliba

It is frightening to think that Saliba does not turn 22 until the final stages of the campaign. He has taken to the Premier League so naturally.

He did not have the best time on international duty this time around. But he is clearly well in contention to go to the World Cup later this year.

And his performances are a big victory for Arteta. The Arsenal boss came in for a lot of criticism for how he used the defender during his first couple of years at the club.

With Arteta coming under real pressure in that time, weaker managers would have given the supporters what they wanted and thrown Saliba in much sooner.

We will never know if he would have thrived in the same way at that time. But there is absolutely no question that Saliba is now looking every bit the player fans hoped he would be.