Arsenal defender Saliba hailed as one of the best PL defenders in history

The international break has arrived, offering a moment to reflect on the Premier League season so far - and for Arsenal fans, it’s been a promising start. Their 2–0 win over West Ham, combined with Liverpool’s dramatic last-minute loss to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, means Mikel Arteta’s side holds a narrow and early but valuable lead in the title race.

In the wake of such a positive few weeks, it’s easy to understand why there’s a real sense of positivity around the red half of North London, and the odds reflect that as they currently sit at 10/11 to win the league. With the bet365 bonus code, you can use this to back the lads to finally get over the hump and win that elusive title.

A key foundation of Arsenal’s success has been their defensive solidity, particularly the partnership between William Saliba and Gabriel. We caught up with former Arsenal midfielder Anders Limpar to discuss Saliba’s new long-term deal and what it means for the Gunners moving forward.

Following heavy speculation surrounding his future, with Real Madrid reportedly interested, Saliba has now committed his future to Arsenal until June 2030. It’s a sign of the club’s faith in the Frenchman and their intent to compete both domestically and in Europe.

Limpar believes Saliba has already placed himself among the Premier League’s elite defenders.

"Saliba is probably one of the best in PL history already and when it comes to being the best, you always look at trophies. You can't beat Steve Bruce and Gary Pallister in that sense. You can't beat Steve Bould and Tony Adams in that sense. You can't beat Vincent Kompany and John Stones in that sense."

"Saliba is up with those players, to be honest. Even older players from back in the day."

However, Limpar insists that true greatness comes with silverware.

"When it comes to being considered as a great centre-half, you need to win the Premier League. You need to win the Champions League. You need to win the FA Cup."

"Right now, he's as good as Tony Adams and Steve Bould but he needs to win trophies. That’s how he builds a legacy."

Timber hailed as an “incredible player”

While Saliba has anchored the defence, Jurrien Timber has quickly become one of Arsenal’s standout signings since joining from Ajax. His composure, technical ability, and attacking instincts, alongside his physicality, have made him a perfect fit for Arteta’s system and a fan favourite at the Emirates.

Prior to Timber’s arrival, Ben White had formed a strong partnership down the right flank with Bukayo Saka - a relationship that helped elevate Saka’s game. With that being said, Limpar says Timber’s impact speaks volumes.

"Timber is a hell of a player to keep Ben White on the bench, first of all. Because in the last few years, the player who has made Saka look good is Ben White. White and Saka play unbelievably well together."

"It is up to Timber now to assist and make Saka better."

"When it comes to defending, I think Timber is decent. Going forward he is unbelievable. That's the Arsenal way, to play offensive football."

Still, Limpar repeats the same message: for Timber and Saliba to be mentioned among the best, they need to win.

"But overall, he's an incredible player. He's been one of the best in the Premier League but again, these guys need to win something to be up and compete with the best. When it comes to being considered as one of the best full-backs in league history."

"Take Gary Neville for example. He has won so much and Timber hasn't. When it comes to talking about the best players in PL history, it comes down to trophies. Unfortunately."

Read more as Anders Limpar discusses Arsenal stars Viktor Gyokeres and Alexander Isak