William Saliba issues his verdict on Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta

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William Saliba has lauded Mikel Arteta and insisted that he is the player he is today because of the Arsenal boss and his staff.

Saliba was speaking with the Daily Mail as the Gunners, once again, find themselves leading the way in the Premier League after the opening months of the campaign.

William Saliba has certainly continued on his path to becoming the best in the business at centre-back. Thierry Henry claimed after Arsenal’s win at Luton in midweek that Saliba is the best in the Premier League in his position.

William Saliba lauds Mikel Arteta

Of course, for a long time, Mikel Arteta faced criticism for not using Saliba sooner. The Frenchman was loaned out for a couple of years after his £27 million move.

But Arteta has been vindicated for how he approached Saliba’s development. Perhaps he would have been ready for Arsenal sooner. But judging by his form over the last 18 months, Arteta seems to have made exactly the right call over when to include him in his plans.

Certainly, Saliba is in no doubt as to how much of an impact Arteta has had over his career to date. He shared how much he enjoys working under the Gunners boss.

“I know he trusts me, it makes it easy to play well,” he told the Daily Mail. “I feel a lot of confidence from him and he teaches, he gives us things to develop and if I’m good today, then it’s because of him and the staff.

“He’s demanding but he’s high level so you have to be demanding of your players and it’s good for us to have a coach like this. He has a passion, he loves his work.”

Arsenal boss has got most of the big calls right

It has perhaps been forgotten in the debate over David Raya’s position at Arsenal, but Arteta has got the majority of the big decisions right during his time at the Emirates.

He has made some massive calls. And some of them have initially led many to scratch their heads and wonder what he can possibly be thinking. In truth, it would not be a huge surprise if Raya proved to be a big success in North London.

And holding off on using Saliba was one brave call. He was a fan favourite before he had even kicked a ball for the club. And yet, Arteta did not deviate from his plans.

That is now reaping massive rewards. It may not be too long before Arsenal have the best centre-back in the world in their ranks.