Former Manchester United player, Rio Ferdinand, has expressed his belief that Arsenal star William Saliba is on track to become the best centre-back in the world within three years. He also stated that Manchester United’s Leny Yoro could potentially reach a similar level of performance.
Saliba showcased another impressive performance as a central figure in Arsenal’s defence during their recent match against Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium. The young defender not only held his ground but also scored his side’s second goal, leading Arsenal to a 2-0 victory over United.
Yoro makes Premier League debut
On the other hand, Leny Yoro made his Premier League debut for Manchester United during this match. The 19-year-old French defender was brought on as a substitute in the second half following his €62 million (£52.1m) transfer from Lille during last summer's transfer window.
Yoro’s start at United has been somewhat disrupted due to an unfortunate foot fracture he sustained during pre-season training. Despite this setback, he managed to deliver a promising cameo appearance against Arsenal which caught Ferdinand's attention.
Ferdinand believes in potential of both defenders
Ferdinand believes that despite Yoro’s rocky start at Manchester United due to injury, he can eventually reach close to Saliba’s level of play given time and experience. This statement comes as high praise considering Ferdinand himself was one of England's most accomplished defenders throughout his career.
Rio Ferdinand, Manchester United legend, said:
‘I think he’s [Saliba] going to be the best defender in the world,’. Saliba will be the best defender in the world when Virgil van Dijk gives up that post. As soon as that happens, it could be in a year, it could be three years. Whenever it’s going to be I don’t see anyone else taking over. The only person I see, the person who I think will rival him and it will be close is Leny Yoro.
‘To be injured and to come in and it’s not even do quite well… he got in two situations one vs one on the edge of the box on his own and dealt with them both really well. To go back to Saliba, he looks imposing. Rasmus Hojlund is probably still trying to fight his way out of his pocket now. It was like a man against a boy. I want to see Rasmus Hojlund improve in those situations, in those one vs ones.
‘And I can say the same about [Erling] Haaland, when Haaland comes up agaisnt a Van Dijk, against a Saliba-type guy, I want to see him bully the life out of them as well, I was to see him hurt them and put punches in those guys, not just flat-track bullies.
‘Saliba looked clean, confident, classy, strong, elegant. Everything you’d want in a centre half and it was great just to see another centre-half, a young one, come on who is two or three years behind in adjusting to the Premier League and come on and look so clean in the defensive situations where if you’re going to be a top team you need someone in the back line, at least one of them, who can go one vs one with anyone on the pitch.’
For sports fans and sports betting enthusiasts alike, these predictions provide exciting prospects for future matches involving these two players. As we watch their careers unfold, it will be interesting to see if Ferdinand's predictions come true.
