“I wouldn’t say Saliba is the best”- French legend talks up Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk in comparison to Arsenal star

Marcel Desailly believes Liverpool skipper Virgil van Dijk is better than William Saliba

Marcel Desailly recently weighed in on the ongoing debate surrounding the defensive prowess of Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk and Arsenal defender William Saliba. The Frenchman has been turning heads with his impressive performances, prompting some to claim that he has surpassed Van Dijk as one of the Premier League and world’s finest defenders.

Desailly shared his perspective on this topic, acknowledging Saliba’s potential but still placing Van Dijk and Dayot Upamecano ahead of him in the pecking order.

The football legend emphasised that while Van Dijk’s star may have dimmed slightly, he remains a formidable presence in the backline for both Liverpool and the Netherlands.

Here is what Desaily told Gambling Zone via ECHO on the comparisons between Virgil and Saliba:

“I wouldn’t say Saliba is the best in the world yet. I believe that Dayot Upamecano and Virgil Van Dijk are above Saliba, even though Van Dijk has dropped a little bit,”

His towering presence, impeccable positioning, and exceptional ability to read the game have made him Virgil a defensive stalwart. Many fans and pundits laud him as one of the greatest defenders of his generation, drawing comparisons to legendary figures like Paolo Maldini.

Van Dijk’s influence extends beyond the pitch; he sets a standard that aspiring defenders aim to achieve. His consistency and leadership qualities certainly make him a valuable asset to any team, and his impact has transcended club boundaries.

Desailly’s remarks regarding Van Dijk certainly serve as a reminder of the Dutchman’s enduring quality and his place among the elite defenders in the world.

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While Saliba’s potential is undeniable, comparisons to Van Dijk, a player with an established track record of excellence, may be somewhat premature, at least at the moment.