Jamie Carragher praises William Saliba and compares him with Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk

William Saliba’s fine start to the season at Arsenal has resulted in former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher singing his praises. 

Carragher said: “At Arsenal, the integration of William Saliba and the signing of Gabriel Jesus have elevated the team’s performances to a point where they look like a top-four team again.” 

Carragher continued: “Saliba is a modern centre-back in the Van Dijk mould. He is fast enough to deal with the quickest strikers, aerially strong to cope with target men, and comfortable in possession to ensure his side can play from the back.

“Yes, these are early days and Saliba has a long way to go to match Van Dijk’s long-term influence at Liverpool, but he has had an immediate impact on how structurally sound a previously flaky defence looks.

“There is an echo of Van Dijk’s early months at Anfield.” 

The Sky Sports pundit added: “So far, Arsenal are conceding fewer goals and shots per game than last season, and there has been a significant drop off in the number of touches opponents are having in their penalty area.

“The major tactical difference a player such as Saliba makes is in enabling the team to play higher up the pitch, trusting their pacey, multi-faceted centre-half to react if strikers try to get in behind.” 

Carragher also warned that although Saliba has been performing well, he will still show his inexperience.

He said: “So far, Saliba has been the perfect fit for Arteta, although he will occasionally show inexperience. 

“His misjudgement enabled Marcus Rashford to score on the counter-attack at Old Trafford recently. Arsenal paid a heavy price, losing a game they should have won.”

Up next for Saliba and his teammates is another tough test as they welcome Liverpool to the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.