Arsenal centre-back William Saliba had a superb pre-season with the Gunners, having not conceded during the 282 minutes he was on the pitch.
After three loan spells away from the Emirates, it seems manager Mikel Arteta is finally convinced that the France international is ready to be part of the first-team squad.
A lot of fans on Twitter are predicting that Saliba could go on and make a huge impression this campaign, although a few are trying to keep expectations in check:
He is going to dominate the @premierleague this season. #COYG #AFC
— Paul Surin (@PaulSurin) August 1, 2022
He could be our best CB
— Tyrese (@TyreseW6) August 1, 2022
Best young Defender in the prem
— Mattx (@ThatMattx) August 1, 2022
Virgil Van Dijk good
— D. (@Outtheboxx) August 1, 2022
this is ridiculous. give him time before bringing out tony adams comparisons. when has that ever worked well
— Scott Davis (@Scott__davisss) August 1, 2022
He needs to be in the first team when premier league kicks off🤘🤘
— Nachiket Kothurkar (@Kothur1Nachiket) July 31, 2022
The fanbase doing what they fanbase always does. Putting pressure on a 21 year old by overhyping him. They did the same with Martinelli. Saliba could have a quiet game and fans would still come out of it raving about him.
Let the man develop in peace
— Squil (@zimsquil) August 1, 2022
He looks great .. im so excited for this season. But we shouldn’t forget just how hard the prem league is.Crystal Palace is going to be a real test for the guys
— Gabriwall (@MessengerBen) July 31, 2022
Saliba undoubtedly deserves to start the first Premier League match against Crystal Palace on Friday, but it will be interesting to see who he partners in the centre of defence.
Arteta went with a back three during the 6-0 friendly win against Sevilla at the weekend, so he could play alongside both Ben White and Gabriel. If they do revert to a back four at Selhurst Park, though, somebody will have to miss out.
