Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has built a superb team since taking the reins back in 2019.
A Gunners outfit that previously struggled to even reach the top four is now mounting regular title challenges under Arteta.
In addition, Arsenal’s defence was known for being quite shaky in the years preceding Arteta’s arrival, but he has fixed that.
Theo Walcott has now sung the praises of a £27million Arsenal defender who he wishes he could have played alongside.
Theo Walcott wowed by Arsenal star William Saliba
Walcott took part in this week’s Premier League Rising Stars show, which focused on the Premier League’s best young defenders.
On the subject of William Saliba, Walcott described him as “probably the best that’s ever existed at this moment in time”.
Walcott also claimed having Saliba in the squad around the time he played would’ve led to them winning plenty of trophies.
“God, I wish I played with him! Goodness me, we would’ve won all sorts of things,” said Walcott. “He is arguably, it’s him and Van Dijk, between them two I’d say.
“But I think you look at his age, you look at his development and how patient he’s been. We talk about patience in centre-halves, he had to wait a long time.
“He’s a player that every forward just can’t really face – Isak had some good times against him but he causes problems to everyone.
“Saliba, he’s so confident on the ball, he’s got that partnership (with Gabriel Magalhaes) as well.
“He’s really established himself in that Arsenal team, and he’s helping Myles Lewis-Skelly on the left-hand side which I’m a big fan of as well.
“Everyone looks at the next best centre-back in this world and he’s arguably probably the best that’s ever existed at this moment in time and that’s saying a lot for a 23-year-old.”
Where William Saliba features as part of Theo Walcott’s perfect player
Walcott was recently asked with creating his perfect player based on traits such as strength, speed and football IQ.
Virgil van Dijk is a popular answer in the strength category, while Adama Traore is also one of the strongest players around.
However, Walcott went for Saliba as his pick for strength, one of numerous Arsenal players past and present who featured.
| Attribute | Theo Walcott’s perfect player |
| Right foot | Steven Gerrard |
| Left foot | Robin van Persie |
| Speed | Theo Walcott |
| Strength | William Saliba |
| Football IQ | Cesc Fabregas |
| Personality | Thierry Henry |
Walcott’s perfect player would have Robin van Persie’s left foot, Cesc Fabregas’ football IQ, Thierry Henry’s personality and his own speed.
The only non-Arsenal player involved is Steven Gerrard, with Walcott opting for the right foot of his former England teammate.
