Pundit shares what some were afraid to say about William Saliba last season

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Janusz Michallik has shared what he believes some were actually afraid to say about William Saliba last season as he lauded the Arsenal defender.

William Saliba has been a game-changing addition for the Gunners. Ben White and Gabriel Magalhaes did brilliantly during their year together as Arsenal’s centre-back partnership.

But Mikel Arteta’s side have gone to another level with Saliba in the backline. It is almost remarkable at this stage to remember that the 22-year-old had not made his Premier League debut before the start of last season.

Arsenal star William Saliba the best centre-back in the Premier League

Saliba has gone from strength to strength. And with that, some will insist that the Frenchman is now the best in the division in his position.

But Janusz Michallik has told ESPN that Saliba has probably been top of the pile for a lot longer than many will admit.

“This is a team that’s one of the best in terms of attack, the best defence, in terms of character and spine, everything’s there. Saliba, arguably for me, the best central defender in the league. He was even that last year, we were just probably afraid to say it. But he certainly is,” he said.

Frenchman has lived up to fans’ expectations

In fairness, Saliba has been receiving plaudits ever since Arteta gave him his chance. He seemed to be a fan favourite long before he even made his debut for the Gunners. And he has most definitely lived up to expectations.

Losing Saliba to injury over the final months of last season seemed to cost Arsenal in the title race. They were five points clear with 11 games remaining when the youngster made his final appearance.

His absence was not the only reason Manchester City managed to catch them. But it clearly had a real impact on Arteta’s side.

And that couple of months confirmed that few players are now as important to a team as Saliba has become to Arsenal in just 18 months.