Emmanuel Petit says Arsenal have an outstanding youngster who is similar to John Terry

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Emmanuel Petit has heaped praise on Arsenal No.2 William Saliba – even comparing the youngster to John Terry.

The 53-year-old made the comments when speaking to Wett Freunde in Germany.

So, what did Arsenal legend Emmanuel Petit say about William Saliba? Let’s take a look…

Emmanuel Petit hails William Saliba

Well, the Frenchman called his fellow countryman a “warrior” while also comparing the 22-year-old France international’s physique to that of John Terry and Rio Ferdinand.

Petit did – however – stress that Saliba must use this physicality to become more of a threat from dead ball situations, like the aforementioned Chelsea and Manchester United legends were.

The man who made 118 appearances for Arsenal said: “Saliba is one of the best central defenders in England. He’s a warrior. He radiates a lot of calm and personality on the pitch. He has made progress in reading the game and managing depth.

“He relied a bit on his strength and speed, but he has now adapted to the demands of English football. With his physical size, he could contribute more on offensive free kicks, similar to John Terry or Rio Ferdinand. He will continue on his path, I have no doubt about that.”

Petit – who adores Declan Rice – also claimed that Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes have improved as a partnership this season.

The man from Dieppe added: “Both were already excellent in 2022/23. William Saliba was out of action for weeks due to injury, but this season they have developed a bit further, so that they hardly allow any chances for the opponent and complement each other perfectly. It’s certainly unpleasant for any striker in the world to come up against this duo.”

Arsenal have a formidable duo

Many are quick to compliment Mikel Arteta on the beautiful style of attacking football he has coached at Arsenal, although the Spaniard’s efforts in regards to transforming the defence cannot be ignored.

Thanks to the development of Saliba and Gabriel, Arsenal currently have the most clean sheets in the Premier League this season after 27 games, with 11 shutouts.

Liverpool are closest with nine clean sheets.

Arsenal have also conceded the fewest goals in the Premier League this season with just 23 concessions in 27 outings.

Arteta deserves credit for turning Arsenal into such a force both defensively as well as going forward, but credit must also go to Saliba and Gabriel for their exceptional partnership at the back.