Virgil Van Dijk has hailed William Saliba expressing that the Arsenal center-back reminds him of himself.
Van Dijk shared that Saliba is currently making “good steps” in his career and claimed that he didn’t produce the qualities being exhibited by the Frenchman when he was his age.
Virgil Van Dijk’s Comment Regarding William Saliba
Speaking on Rio Ferdinand Presents, Virgil Van Dijk said: “If I’m honest, I was nowhere near where Saliba was at his age”.
“Saliba is making good steps at the moment, this is very clear. He reminds me of myself.”
William Saliba is presently 23 years old, while Virgil Van Dijk is currently 33 years old.
Saliba has experienced magnificent growth in his career in recent years, and as such, he is widely regarded as one of the best center-backs in the world.
The French international, who was born in Bondy, France, is known for his strength, pace, tackling and composure.
William Saliba was absent from Arsenal’s clash with Liverpool on Sunday, October 27, 2024, due to a red card which he picked up in their 2-0 loss to Bournemouth on October 19, 2024.
Virgil Van Dijk, who has in the past played for teams like Celtic, Southampton, and Groningen, was present in Arsenal’s clash with the Reds, and he delineated his qualities despite being part of a backline that shipped in 2 goals.
Van Dijk’s goalscoring prowess was evident at the Emirates, as he got amongst the goals for Liverpool in their 2-2 draw with the North London side.
When Will William Saliba Return To Action After Red Card Against Bournemouth?
Saliba is expected to return to action on Saturday, November 2, 2024, when Arsenal visit St James’ Park to trade tackles with Newcastle United.
William Saliba has made 12 appearances this campaign, scoring no goal and providing no assists in all competitions.
Virgil Van Dijk
Van Dijk is widely regarded as one of the best defenders of his generation, and he is known for his strength, leadership, speed, and aerial ability.
The Dutchman has won several trophies in his career, including 1 UEFA Champions League, 1 Premier League, and 1 FA Cup.
Virgil Van Dijk joined Liverpool in January 2018 for a fee of €84.65 million and he has made 282 appearances for the club, scoring 25 goals and providing 12 assists across all competitions.
Cumulatively, the defender has made 543 club appearances thus far in his career, scoring 54 goals and providing 24 goals in all competitions.
Who Is William Saliba?
William Saliba is a French professional footballer who plays as a center-back for Premier League club Arsenal and the France national team.
Saliba is regarded as one of the best center-backs in the world, and he is known for his strength, pace, tackling, and composure.
William Saliba’s Personal Information?
Saliba was born on March 24, 2001, in Bondy, France, to a Lebanese father and a Cameroonian mother.
William Saliba’s Market Value And Net Worth?
William Saliba’s market value is €80 million, while his net worth is estimated to be between the region of €20 million – €25 million.
His Salary?
William Saliba earns about €228,000 per week at Arsenal.
His Career Stats?
William Saliba has made 212 club appearances thus far in his career, scoring 6 goals and providing 2 assists in all competitions.
Internationally, Saliba has made 25 appearances for France, scoring no goal and providing no assists.
William Saliba’s Achievements?
He has won 2 Community Shields.
His Position?
William Saliba functions primarily as a center-back.
Clubs He Has Played For In His Career?
William Saliba has played for several clubs in his career, including; Saint Ettiene, OGC Nice, and Olympique Marseille.
