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Former Arsenal defender Carl Jenkinson has claimed that William Saliba is better than Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk. The Dutchman is widely considered one of the best players in world football, but according to Jenkinson, his former club's centre-back is a step ahead.
In an appearance on talkSPORT, the right-back was asked by former England striker Darren Bent if Saliba is one of the best players in world football currently. Jenkinson admitted that he doesn't watch world football as much, but said that the Arsenal defender is "definitely in the conversation".
"He's definitely in the conversation [as the best defender in the world]. I don't watch enough football around the world to comment on if he's the best in the world," said Jenkinson.
When asked if Saliba is the best in the Premier League and better than Virgil van Dijk, the former Gunner agreed. He admitted that the Liverpool captain is one of the best players in the Premier League has seen but claimed that the Dutchman isn't at his peak anymore.
"I think now as we sit here, he's better than Van Dijk. I think Van Dijk in his prime is one of the best the Premier Legaue has ever seen. And is he quite the same player these days? I don't know," he said.
William Saliba, courtesy of the club's opening weekend win over Wolverhampton Wanderers, became the fastest Arsenal player to reach 50 wins in the Premier League era. He achieved the record in just 66 matches.
The Frenchman has played 68 Premier League matches for the Gunners so far and registered an impressive 31 clean sheets. He has been on the losing side on just eight occasions in the league.
"Van Dijk has aura" - Arsenal defender Saliba praises the Liverpool captain
William Saliba is a huge admirer of the Liverpool defender. In an interview with L'Equipe at the end of last season, the 23-year-old said that Van Dijk instills fear in attackers.
"Van Dijk has aura, for example. He's the boss, he commands everything. You feel that he scares the attackers," the Arsenal defender said.
The French international, however, added that he is beginning to feel the same.
"But I'm starting to feel the same way. I'm starting to see that the strikers feel fear," he admitted.
Saliba is currently on international duty with France in the UEFA Nations League as they host Italy (September 6) and Belgium (September 9). He is expected to be back in action for Arsenal for tough assignments against Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City after the international break.
