Arsenal’s promising centre-back, William Saliba, has showered high praise on Sergio Ramos, calling the former Real Madrid captain the “best defender in football history.” The 23-year-old Arsenal star made the comment ahead of the Gunners’ highly anticipated Premier League clash against Chelsea this weekend.

Saliba, who has been gradually earning his place as one of the most solid defenders in the Premier League, explained that Ramos’ impressive trophy collection was a key reason behind his admiration.

“We played against him last season, and of course, I wanted his shirt,” Saliba was quoted by Metro UK. “But [Arsenal teammate] Gabriel also wanted it. He wanted it so badly, so I let him have it. For me, Ramos is the best in history. There are others, like Van Dijk, who is unbelievable, Gabriel, and others too.”

The French international emphasized that what made Ramos exceptional was not only his trophy-laden career but also his style of play and ability to excel despite not being physically imposing.

“Sergio Ramos, one of the best in history, showed that you don’t have to be so big [to be the world’s best], but of course, it helps if you are. Everyone has their own qualities, so it depends,” Saliba added.

Opinion: Can Saliba Follow in Ramos’ Footsteps?

Saliba’s admiration for Ramos is understandable. The Spaniard has won practically every major trophy available at club and international levels, including Champions League titles, La Liga trophies, and the World Cup. His ability to read the game, leadership qualities, and knack for scoring important goals make him a standout in football history.

But is Saliba on a similar path? While he has shown immense potential and is gradually establishing himself as a defensive stalwart for Arsenal, his lack of trophies could hinder his ambitions of being considered the best.

However, the 23-year-old’s humility and willingness to learn from the greats of the game are promising signs. As Arsenal continues its upward trajectory under Mikel Arteta, Saliba’s defensive prowess could play a significant role in helping the Gunners end their trophy drought.

Yet, to truly step into the shoes of a legend like Ramos, Saliba will need to accumulate trophies and showcase leadership qualities that go beyond individual brilliance.

Is Saliba on his way to becoming a football legend, or does he still have a long way to go? Arsenal fans will surely be watching his journey with high hopes.