Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger has praised the performances of Arsenal centre-back pairing William Saliba and Gabriel.

When asked by the Inside Scoop podcast to name who he thinks are among the best centre-halves in the world at the moment, the former Chelsea player replied:

“Saliba and I like Gabriel from Arsenal as well. If you see Arsenal and the two centre-backs playing together. For two years now they are doing an amazing job. The transformation from Arsenal before and now.”

“Those two are the pillar of it. You have Gabriel as the more aggressive leader and Saliba, this brother plays clean. You have to give it to him he looks like a silent leader.”

The stats back up Rudiger’s remarks about the Arsenal pair

The Gunners conceded just 27.9 xG in the Premier League last season, which ws the best record in the Premier League. They were quite some distance ahead of Manchester City in 2nd (35.6 xG against).

Things haven’t been quite as solid this season, with Mikel Arteta’s side having conceded 6.6 xG after 6 games played (which is only 7th best) but you have to keep in mind that they played a whole half of football with 10 men against City. You wouldn’t bet against them having the meanest defence again come the end of May.

In terms of individual stats, Arsenal averaged 2.36 points per match with Gabriel in the team last campaign, with Saliba only slightly behind (2.34).

It’s not all about Saliba and Gabriel

While Rudiger is right to pay tribute to the Arsenal pair, defending requires all 11 players. Arteta has created one of the best-pressing teams in European football.

They are aggressive right across the pitch and they give very little away to the opposition. It gives the Gunners a very strong foundation to mount a title challenge for a third successive year.