“Not Many Better Anywhere On The Planet” – Harry Redknapp Waxes Lyrical About Arsenal Star

Former West Ham and Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has lavished praise on Arsenal defender William Saliba following his player of the match display against Manchester United last weekend.

Writing in his Team of the Week column for sports betting site BetVictor, Redknapp said that Saliba is among the best defenders in world football:

“William Saliba was world class yet again for Arsenal. I actually don’t think the Gunners were anywhere near their best at Old Trafford but time and again, this lad just dealt with everything that came his way. He never looks flustered and his decision making is just superb. There’s not many better anywhere on the planet.”

No Arsenal fan would dispute Redknapp’s remarks and, considering his outstanding performances, you would hope that Frenchman is in the running for the PFA Players’ Player of the Year.

Saliba was snubbed by the Premier League
Arsenal’s outstanding defensive record this season has been the cornerstone of their title challenge, and Saliba has been an integral part of their backline.

However, neither he nor his centre-back partner Gabriel were among the eight nominations for the Premier League Player of the Season. Teammates Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard were included but there does appear to be a lack of recognition for defenders in general.

Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk was the only defender on the shortlist, but Saliba has arguably had a better season than the Dutchman.

Who else made it into Redknapp’s Team of the Week?
Brighton’s Bart Verbruggen was named in goal, with Tottenham’s Pedro Porro, Everton’s James Tarkowski and Manchester City’s Josko Gvardiol joining Saliba in a four-man defence.

Redknapp went with Chelsea’s Moises Caicedo, City’s Bernardo Silva and Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise in a three-man midfield, while he chose Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran and Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson up front.