Ex-Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder Emmanuel Petit believes William Saliba has the qualities to emulate the career of John Terry.

Petit played alongside Terry during his three years at Stamford Bridge and the Frenchman claims he can see similarities between Saliba and the former England international:

“William Saliba is amazing. He has all the qualities to do the same as John Terry. He’s very mature, came back to Arsenal with a lot of motivation and he’s improved a lot as a human being as well as a footballer. Saliba was a rock against Chelsea, I wouldn’t like to be a striker playing against him because he’s tough and his confidence is really entering his game.”

It’s high praise indeed from Petit, but it’s probably best not to get too carried away with Saliba’s form at the start of this season. He has been outstanding in most of the matches he has played but he is still very young.

At 21, he has a lot to learn, and keeping his feet on the ground will be important, so comparisons to Terry are not exactly that helpful.

You do get where Petit is coming from in terms of the similarities between the two players, though. Saliba has strength, composure on the ball and excellent defensive positioning; all of which were key components in Terry’s game too.