3 standout players from Arsenal's 0-0 draw with Atalanta

  • Goalkeeper David Raya and those immediately in front of him were Arsenal's standout players during an otherwise miserable goalless draw away to Atalanta in the UEFA Champions League
Atalanta BC v Arsenal FC - UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD1
Atalanta BC v Arsenal FC - UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD1 / Timothy Rogers/GettyImages
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2. William Saliba

Mateo Retegui, William Saliba
Saliba tussled with Mario Retegui throughout / Image Photo Agency/GettyImages

Attackers know even getting a shot away at Raya is hard enough with William Saliba in front of the Spaniard. Saliba was serenity itself against a talented Atalanta forward line, never rattled, nor out of position.

Composure is an underrated quality for a centre-back, but Saliba has it to spare. His coolness under fire is the perfect contrast to the visceral intensity of defensive partner Gabriel Magalhaes.

Saliba can afford to stay calm because of his awesome athletic gifts. Like the pace that allowed him to consistently win stride for stride races with Retegui.

Atalanta love to play between the lines at speed, but that approach was never going to unsettle Saliba's sense of spatial awareness and impeccable timing. The Frenchman has developed into the genuine rock at the back the Gunners have missed since the days of Sol Campbell's brief but brilliant peak, and somebody Arteta and sporting director Edu must keep out of Real Madrid's clutches.

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