Harry Cummins
Updated on: October 13, 2024 8:44 am GMT
As Arsenal prepares to take on Manchester City this weekend, star defender William Saliba reflects on his growing ambitions and the importance of silverware in solidifying his reputation in the world of football. With lofty goals for both club and country, Saliba has become a key player for the Gunners, demonstrating dedication and resilience that could propel Arsenal to new heights this season.
Saliba’s Journey in Football
William Saliba’s path to becoming one of Arsenal’s most vital players has not been without its challenges. After joining Arsenal in 2019, the 23-year-old spent time on loan at various clubs, including Saint-Etienne, Nice, and Marseille. These stints were essential for his development as a player.
“Football is like this,” Saliba said. “You have to work. Sometimes you have bad moments, sometimes you have good moments. You have to stay strong, and I didn’t give up.”
Returning to Arsenal in 2022, Saliba quickly established himself in the first team, appearing in all 38 Premier League matches last season.
Recognizing Potential
Despite his impressive performance on the field, Saliba believes a lack of trophies has kept him from being recognized as one of the best defenders in the world.
“I think I’m one of the best at the moment, but to say that I have to win some titles,” he explained in a recent interview. “If you win titles, you’re good, and if you don’t, you can’t say you’re the best. That’s what I believe.”
Saliba is confident in his abilities, noting that both individual and team achievements are critical for recognition at the highest levels of football.
Focus on Team Goals
Looking ahead to the match against Manchester City, Saliba emphasized the importance of focusing on the team’s overall performance rather than seeking revenge for past encounters.
“Last season we didn’t lose against them, so I don’t think about revenge like this,” Saliba stated. “It’s more about us because the Premier League is not just against City; it’s against all the teams.”
With his eyes set on winning the league, Saliba’s determination is palpable. “Winning this Premier League is not easy, but when you finish twice second, you want to win,” he mentioned. “We will give everything, even more than last season, because we don’t want to finish second, third, or fourth. We want to win this league.”
Trusting the Coach
Saliba also acknowledged the positive impact of Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta, on both his development and the team’s progress.
“He’s a really good coach, and we’re so happy to have him here,” Saliba said. “He helps us a lot to grow, especially as a player like me. I’ve learned a lot with him and I’ve become a better player since I’ve worked with him.”
With Arteta at the helm, Arsenal has experienced significant improvement over the past five years, drawing closer to football’s top honors.
A Strong Partnership
On the pitch, Saliba has formed a formidable partnership with fellow defender Gabriel. The duo has helped tighten Arsenal’s defense, and Saliba attributes their success to their natural chemistry.
“There’s no secret,” Saliba stated. “I’m good, he’s good. We both speak French and we play now in our third season together. We know each other so well, and it’s a pleasure to play every game with him.”
This understanding between the two players has allowed them to grow and improve together, further solidifying Arsenal’s defense as one of the strongest in the Premier League.
Looking Ahead
As Saliba and Arsenal prepare for their clash with Manchester City, the stakes are higher than ever. With the Premier League title in their sights, the team is focused on channeling their energy into important games, while also keeping an eye on competing in the UEFA Champions League.
Following their upcoming match, Arsenal will kick off their Champions League campaign against Atalanta. Saliba is eager to contribute to the team’s success on both fronts.
“I still have goals and ambition because I haven’t won anything yet,” he remarked. “I’ve had some good seasons, but you need to win some trophies, and that’s what I want to do with Arsenal and the national team.”
Conclusion
William Saliba’s path from being a loan player to a key part of Arsenal’s defense is inspiring for many young soccer players. His hard work and focus on teamwork and getting better show that he has a bright future ahead. As the Gunners prepare for their important game against Manchester City, everyone will be watching Saliba to see if he can take another step toward the success he wants on the field. Arsenal fans are excited and hope that winning the Premier League title will soon come, proving that Saliba is one of the best defenders in the world.
