Saliba and Gabriel/Getty Images
The debate over the best Premier League centre-back is heating up again, with rival fans questioning Arsenal’s defensive hype.
While Arsenal supporters have crowned William Saliba as their “Rolls-Royce,” former Everton defender Alan Stubbs suggests they might need to look elsewhere.
In a recent interview with BestBettingSites.com, Stubbs praised Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk, calling him “a Rolls-Royce of a center-back,” known for his leadership, intelligence, and ability to control the game.
The Dutch defender’s commanding presence and all-around skills have made him a cornerstone of Liverpool’s defense since 2018.
“When picking the best centre backs in the Premier League, the first one has to be Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk. Virgil is a Rolls Royce of a centre back, ” Stubbs explained.
“He ticks all the boxes in everything that you want from a modern-day centre back. He’s quick, he’s strong. He reads the game well, he’s very comfortable on the ball, and he’s a leader.”
“I don’t see a huge amount of leaders in the game right now, and I think Virgil is certainly up there with the most authoritative players in the Premier League in terms of leadership skills.”
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Arsenal’s solace
However, Arsenal fans might find solace in Stubbs’ next picks. The former Everton man named Gunners’ duo William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães the second and third-best centre-backs in the league, respectively.
Saliba, with his composure and ability to initiate attacks, has become a key figure in Arsenal’s backline. His defensive partner, Gabriel, known for his physicality and aerial prowess, complements Saliba perfectly.
“They have formed the best centre back pairing in the league and they love keeping clean sheets. They’re the backbone of Arsenal’s team and are one of the reasons why I’ve tipped them to win the title this season.”
CS opinion
I’ve always appreciated Saliba’s incredible talent, and we’ve affectionately dubbed him our “Rolls-Royce.” His impressive average rating of 6.96 really shows how crucial he is to our success.
Sure, rival fans might debate it, but with our recent title pushes, Stubbs’ take feels spot on. Our defense has always been solid, and it’s clear that, both then and now, it’s been the backbone of our achievements.