Gabriel Jesus snubbed Bukayo Saka when naming an Arsenal player who can become among the best in the world.
Arsenal enter the final weeks of the season at the Premier League summit, one point ahead of reigning champions Manchester City, but having played a game more.
Mikel Arteta's side are in contention of claiming their first Premier League title in two decades, courtesy of, statistically speaking, having the league’s best attack and most stubborn defence.
For instance, Saka’s 15 goals and nine Premier League assists have been crucial in entrenching Arsenal’s position among the league’s top sides.
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Meanwhile, the defensive partnership between Gabriel and William Saliba has seen Arsenal concede just 28 goals all campaign.
And Arsenal striker Jesus has heaped particular praise on the latter player, claiming Saliba is “very special” and on course to become one of the best players in the world.
Jesus told Arsenal.com: “Everyone knows how good he is, but not only him – he and Gabriel match up perfectly, and I think Gabi has helped him a lot.
“Off the pitch, he (Saliba) is one of the funniest guys here, but not because he’s joking all the time. It’s just the way he is. He’s very special.”
When asked how Saliba compares to the best defenders he has faced, Jesus added: “It’s hard to play against him!
“I’ve never played against him in a match, only in training, but even then it’s hard because he’s so sharp and hard to beat.
“We are all working hard to improve and if he carries on doing that he can be one of the best, for sure.”
Saliba joined Arsenal from Saint Etienne back in 2019 but did not get an opportunity in the first team until the opening game of last season against Crystal Palace.
The 23-year-old France international was sent on three loan spells before breaking through at the Emirates but has now become an indispensable figure and among the first names on the team sheet every week.