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Alan Smith says Arsenal star William Saliba could be ‘classy like Virgil van Dijk’
Former Arsenal striker Alan Smith has told that defender William Saliba could have a similar impact on the Gunners as Virgil van Dijk has done at Liverpool.
Saliba will be added to the Arsenal ranks next season, following his season-long loan at St-Etienne where the Gunners signed him from.
The young centre-back signed a long-term contract and cost Arsenal £27 million, allowing him to rejoin the French outfit on loan.
Saliba played 17 games in all competitions last season with a hamstring problem ruining his prospects of even more first-team football.
Smith believes the 19-year-old could be a big player next season; backing him to emulate Virgil Van Dijk of Liverpool in the process.
“Saliba by all accounts has tremendous potential as a classy defender in the Virgil van Dijk mould.
“I can just imagine Arteta on that training ground, working hard with the 19-year-old to instil good habits.
“Depending on how that goes, we might see the Frenchman let loose early on.”
Next season looks like being a big one for Arsenal and for Mikel Arteta.
The Gunners will desperately hope to improve in the league after their eighth-place finish last time around.
It’s a few years since Arsenal tasted Champions League football and that will surely be Arteta’s objective.
Bolstering his defence would be ideal but Saliba’s introduction into the team could also be ideal.
The teenager comes with lots of potential and given his ball-playing capabilities he could prove ideal for Arteta.
Arsenal might look to add another central defender this summer but Saliba will certainly be one to watch with intrigue for Gunners supporters.
The comparison with Van Dijk is interesting, with Liverpool adding the enforcer for £75 million back in 2017 . He earns £180,000-a-week at Anfield and is largely viewed as one of the top defenders in European football.
If Saliba turns out to be anything remotely like the Dutch performer, Arsenal will have a seriously talented player on their hands.