William Saliba describes Arsenal star Jakub Kiwior’s performance vs Real Madrid using just one word

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Arsenal conceded just one goal in two games against Real Madrid in the Champions League.

Not many people would’ve believed you had you said that just before the first-leg, when it was confirmed that Gabriel Magalahes would miss the remainder of the season due to injury.

Many Arsenal fans and even Ian Wright were worried about Jakub Kiwior facing Real Madrid and their superstar attackers – Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo Goes and Kylian Mbappe.

However, the Pole barely put a foot wrong in both games and impressed everyone with his quality.

William Saliba reacts to Jakub Kiwior’s performance for Arsenal vs Real Madrid

Jakub Kiwior has been at Arsenal for over two years now.

The Poland international was signed from Spezia in Italy, and he was viewed as a backup at both centre-half as well as left-back.

Because of that, Kiwior has only started 37 games for Arsenal in all competitions since he joined the club in January 2023.

But, following Gabriel’s hamstring issue and Riccardo Calafiori’s unavailability due to an injury of his own, Arteta was forced to put his faith in Kiwior, and the Pole has fully repaid it.

The 25-year-old has been fantastic for the Gunners since Gabriel’s injury. He rose to the occasion against Real Madrid in both legs and was really impressive.

William Saliba is usually Arsenal’s best defender, but on Wednesday night, the Frenchman was nowhere near as good as his centre-back partner.

After the game, when Kiwior took to Instagram to celebrate the win, Saliba described him and his performance using just one word: “Incredible!”

Declan Rice commented “Incredible brother,” as well, while the man he replaced, Gabriel, said: “My guyyyy!”

Jakub Kiwior has given Arsenal two huge boosts

Mikel Arteta and Arsenal have always rated Kiwior highly, even though he hasn’t been a regular.

The Pole is a very solid defender. He is excellent on the ball, solid at the back, and when he plays consecutive games, he doesn’t make too many mistakes.

Yes, Kiwior is not on Gabriel’s level, but he can step in for him whenever required – the last few games have proven that!

Arsenal know two things now, which are huge boosts – if Kiwior stays, he is more than good enough to play against the best teams; if he leaves, Arsenal can demand a good fee for him following his recent displays.

It will be interesting to see what Andrea Berta will decide in the summer.