William Saliba has claimed he only has one shortcoming holding him back from being the best defender in the world.
The Arsenal star has been a rock at the back since becoming a mainstay in Mikel Arteta's side in the 2022-23 season.
Last season Arsenal had the best defence in the Premier League with Saliba playing every single minute as he and Gabriel solidified their watertight partnership.
Many football fans would consider Virgil van Dijk and Ruben Dias to be up there but Saliba believes he can be the outright best with one addition to his repertoire.
'I’m perhaps on my way to becoming the best defender in the world,' Saliba told Fox Sports Mexico.
'I have been on the right track for both seasons, mainly last season.
'I think I’m one of the best at the moment, but to say that I have to win some titles. I think that’s what I’m missing right now.
'If you win titles, you’re good and if you don’t, you can’t say you’re the best.
'That’s what I believe. I’m one of the best in the world.'
His only two pieces of silverware to date are the 2020 and 2023 Community Shield trophies.
This weekend will provide a stern test of his credentials as Arsenal travel to league leaders Manchester City on Sunday.
Erling Haaland has scored nine goals in four games - more than any other team's entire haul.
In the last three games he has scored eight and he came so close to becoming the first man since Jack Balmer for Liverpool in 1946 to score three consecutive hat-tricks in England's top flight, but he could 'only' score twice against Brentford at the weekend.
Last season Arsenal did manage to deny Haaland, keeping two clean sheets in the Premier League.
And Saliba knows the main mountain to overcome to achieve his goal of titles is to get the better of Pep Guardiola's machine over the course of a season.
He added: 'Of course, we want to compete against Manchester City as we have done [in] the last two seasons but we know we have to do more.
'As I said, we have to compete against City but we also have to do it against the other teams because it’s not just against City.
'If you win against them but not against others it doesn’t mean anything. So, of course we want to win this weekend and we will give everything to win but it’s not the end on Sunday.'
haebeilosu
1
love you saliba 💗💗
niddlmpry
0
trophies
Keedkuyzz
0
But when shall we stop receiving baseless news? Where was Saliba quoted saying that? This app is a disgrace to humanity
bro did say that
FREAK23
2
its true, but if you win with ARSENAL then its becomes something beyond the Best
Mikel-ARTETA
2
there's nothing bad in what he has said....he will win trophies with arsenal
Jekbdipuy
1
you will
podinptuyz
1
But when shall we stop receiving baseless news? Where was Saliba quoted saying that? This app is a disgrace to humanity
doncmoru
0
he should come to Madrid asap
Viaablmosz
4
bést of all time
jihadekmpr
0
we wil loose him to trophy winning teams might not be now bt in coming years i give him 2 more season and he's gone truth be told arteta is not a trophy driven coach he is a good coach in general..and surly the only way to prove ur the best is with trophies
Jitbimorsy
0
Stupid
Jitbimorsy
0
Stupid comments
tisbekmo
1
Saliba is a humble guy and will never say that !!
B
Fepbcilnoz
1
Saliba is a humble guy and will never say that !!
Suzcdlnpuy
0
see this werey
madman
sipbcemnrs
2
sak
tjlyon
0
Did you just make this whole thing up 🙄…If not, then at least quote the news outlet Saliba talked with as proof!
Oh fox Mexico… I didn’t see that before, I’m sorry. I’m proud of my boy for this believe. And for people saying he is wrong to rate himself… he did not, he said that’s what he believes. If you don’t believe in yourself why should anyone ??? Btw, @allfootball should please add a way to delete your comment. Thanks
tjlyon
2
Did you just make this whole thing up 🙄…If not, then at least quote the news outlet Saliba talked with as proof!
maoiprstz
1
ghsbs
Pocdinyz
0
Mr.writer if this article can you please tell us when Saliba says the above statements?
I wonder 🤔
Pocdinyz
0
Let's put hate aside, who is playing better than him if we focus on statistics
you are right.. 💯 the boy's good👊
Wiucloprt
1
Mr.writer if this article can you please tell us when Saliba says the above statements?
jhkr
0
its good to believe in ur self bt its bad to rate urself
islamsadiq
1
After dancing etigi dance against Italy this past international break
Let's put hate aside, who is playing better than him if we focus on statistics
lizbknopst
0
are u the one to rate yourself as the best defender
rafaeljoel
0
Best defender talking to himself Italy tore u apart then prove us wrong this season by wining EPL
Hohmopruy
0
After dancing etigi dance against Italy this past international break
Hohmopruy
0
see this werey
zumaikmor
0
😂🤣🤭