Former Gunner Kevin Campbell ‘really impressed’ with William Saliba

Former Gunner Kevin Campbell is full of praise for William Saliba after the Frenchman returned from three consecutive loan spells in Ligue 1 this summer.

Few players have caused such angst among the Arsenal fanbase than William Saliba. Signed back in 2019 to much fanfare, the defender was sent out on loan three times as many thought he would never play for the club.

Last season was particularly puzzling. With the Gunners needing a better central defender to compete with Ben White and Gabriel, Saliba was sent on loan to Marseille. This had many fans furious and thinking that Mikel Arteta did not rate the central defender.

Fast forward 12 months and the decision looks like a masterstroke from Arteta. Saliba dominated Ligue 1 as Marseille finished second in the league, and the 21-year-old won the Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year and was named in the Ligue 1 Team of the Year as well. That is some season.

Former Gunner Kevin Campbell full of praise for William Saliba

Saliba returns as a well-rounded defender who has seriously impressed this pre-season with his cool, calm and assured demeanour. His performances have not gone unnoticed.

Former Arsenal striker Kevin Campbell has heaped praise on Saliba in a recent interview with Football Insider.

Campbell says that the loan to Marseille last year was perfect for the 21-year-old as he returns to the club full of confidence while comparing the youngster to Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk.

Campbell said:

"“If Virgil van Dijk is a Rolls Royce, Saliba is a Bentley.”“He is never flustered, and his passing is a lot better than a lot of people give him credit for. He is smart, quick, strong, physical, powerful and does not make mistakes.“I think he needed that extra year at Marseille, if I am honest. I think that has really helped his confidence. Now when you see him play at Arsenal, and I know it is preseason, he looks mature.“The Chelsea game was a test. He was up against top players and he passed with flying colours. It looks like he’s been playing alongside Gabriel for years. I have been really impressed by the young man.“We will find out a lot more when the season starts but from what I can see, Arsenal have got an absolute gem here. He is such a calming influence at the back.”"

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Saliba has been one of the standouts this preseason, along with Gabriel Jesus. It remains to be seen if Mikel Arteta will hand the 21-year-old a start against Crystal Palace in the season opener, but either way, the Frenchman is turning a lot of heads with his superb performances.