‘Unbelievable management’: Ian Wright absolutely loves what Mikel Arteta’s done with 21-year-old Arsenal youngster

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Ian Wright says he absolutely loves what Mikel Arteta has done with Arsenal youngster William Saliba over the past few seasons.

Speaking on the Kelly and Wrighty show, the Gunners legend has heaped praise on Arteta for how he has dealt with Saliba. 

The 21-year-old has made a big impact on the Arsenal side so far this season since returning from his latest loan spell with French outfit Marseille.

The French defender has spent the last three seasons on loan in Ligue 1 after signing for the Gunners back in 2019.

But he’s come back this season and broken into the Arsenal side and really looked the part in his first three Premier League games.

And Wright thinks it was a great move by Arteta to allow the youngster to go out and gain valuable experience. 

Wright loves what Arteta’s done with Saliba

“Unbelievable management of a young player, similar to Manchester City’s with Phil Foden,” Wright said.

“They didn’t actually let him go out, they just kept him with the players he was training with and obviously he got better.

“But they let this guy [Saliba] go out a few times, made sure they signed him to contracts and kept him going. Even when they let him go out again last season, people were saying ‘we should bring him back’. 

“But what’s happened is, they’ve loaned him out, he’s gone away and become a French international, playing with unbelievable players.

“He’s come back and he’s had three games, and yes we’d expect he’s got great pace and he’s got awareness and great composure.

“But he’s come back as almost the finished article at 21. It’s very early doors but everything you’re seeing from him, the signs up to this point have been really perfect, so you’re just hoping it can continue.” 

Although it’s still early days, Saliba has certainly made an impression in his opening three games.

The France international put in a man of the match performance against Crystal Palace on his debut and scored a brilliant goal against Bournemouth on Saturday.

The Gunners have now kept two clean sheets in their opening three games and Saliba has been a key component in Arteta’s defence.