Pundit hails William Saliba transformation as new Arsenal footage emerges
Noel Whelan has claimed William Saliba has “transformed” the Arsenal rearguard as he quickly becomes a fan favourite at the club.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested the 21-year-old has further propelled the Gunners into the title fight this season.
Saliba didn’t put a foot wrong in defence and even managed to get on the scoresheet with a curling effort to secure Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Bournemouth on Saturday (20 August).
As seen on Twitter, the French fan favourite was serenaded by the travelling Gunners contingent for the majority of the second half at the Vitality Stadium – despite playing just three competitive games in a red shirt.
He signed for Arsenal in 2019 but has spent the last three seasons on loan playing regularly in Ligue 1.
Whelan hailed the France international’s “steeliness, quality, and class”.
He told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury: “He looks a fantastic player, and it’s no wonder to see the fans taking to him like that.
“He’s added steeliness, quality, and class at the back for Arsenal. He’s very tidy on the ball, he doesn’t panic – and his goal just epitomised his performances right now.
“He was calm, didn’t panic when the ball came to him – and it was a real striker’s finish.
“He’s been a breath of fresh air and has transformed that backline into a real sturdy defence.
“I think they’ve got everything they need to compete with last season’s top two of Liverpool and Man City.”
In other news, expert claims Arsenal exit “on the cards” for English star amid behind-the-scenes reveal.