Arsenal centre-back William Saliba has named former Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos as the “best defender in football history”.
The 23-year-old cited Ramos’ numerous trophies as justification for his claim.
“We played against him last season, and of course, I wanted his shirt,” Saliba was quoted by Metro UK as saying ahead of Arsenal’s Premier League clash with Chelsea this weekend.
“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.
“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 has been widely tipped to establish himself as one of the best defenders in the game in the coming years.
However, his lack of trophies could hinder his chances of being regarded as the best in the near future.