William Saliba believes Arsenal‘s lack of titles is preventing him from being considered as one of the best centre-backs in the world.
Saliba and Gabriel’s centre-back partnership has become key to the Gunners’ success in the Premier League, with both now widely hailed as two of the finest in their position.
They are, however, yet to win a Premier League title after failing to knock Manchester City off the top spot two seasons in a row.
Saliba believes the lack of trophies in Arsenal’s cabinet is prohibiting him from being placed among the sport’s greats.
“I’m perhaps on my way to becoming the best defender in the world,” he told FOX Sports. “I have been on the right track for the past two seasons, especially last season. I think I am one of the best at the moment, but to say that, I have to win some titles. I think that is what I am missing right now.
“If you win titles you are good and if you don’t, you can’t say you are the best. That’s what I believe. I am one of the best in the world.”
The Gunners are set to face reigning champions City on Sunday in the Premier League, during which Saliba will come up against an in-form Erling Haaland. The Norwegian has netted nine goals in just four league games so far this season.
“We want to compete against Manchester City like we have done in the last two seasons but we know we have to do more,” Saliba continued. “As I said, we have to compete against City but we also have to do it against other teams because it is not just about City.
“If you win against them but not against the others it doesn’t mean anything. So, of course we want to win this weekend and we will give everything to win but it’s not the end on Sunday.
“He [Haaland] is a great player. One of the best in the world. It is difficult to play against him but last season we gave everything to stop him from scoring and he didn’t succeed.”
Arsenal have enjoyed a strong start to the 2024/25 campaign, remaining unbeaten as they prepare to face City on Sunday.