![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://uknews.evprotec.com/mikel-arteta-makes-feelings-clear-on-william-saliba-after-remarkable-arsenal-title-claim/&media=https://uknews.evprotec.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/0_CUE-UPLOAD-Blended-main-of-Mikel-Arteta-and-William-Saliba-pls-fresh-serious-pics-if-poss-Cheers.jpg&description=Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has praised William Saliba for his growth over the past 12 months after the defender claimed his injury cost the Gunners dear in last year's title race Mikel Arteta has lauded the "remarkable" evolution of William Saliba in the wake of the Arsenal defender's return from injury. Saliba, 22, enjoyed a breakthrough season last year and quickly became one of the Gunners' most influential players, striking up an imperious partnership with Gabriel Magalhaes in defence. The duo were instrumental in Arsenal's title challenge, which faltered when Saliba sustained an injury during the final weeks of the campaign. The France international has picked up where he left off this term, though, after making a return to fitness. And Arteta is full of praise for the defender, who had to wait patiently for his chance in the first-team fold. Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Arteta said of Saliba: 'When you look how he's developing, his role in the team, the level and consistency he's shown in the last year or so, it's remarkable. I don't think you will find a lot of centre-backs doing what he's doing.' The Spaniard also paid tribute to the rest of the Arsenal team for the manner in which they've supported Saliba over the past 12 months and allowed him to flourish. He added: 'Credit to the players around him as well, the way they are guiding him, protecting him, inspiring him and then with the qualities he has, the presence, the physicality and composure to be a leader in the back line for a big club like us, it's a huge compliment.' Join the debate! Do you think Arsenal would have won the title if Saliba wasn't injured? Let us know here. Arteta's glowing endorsement of Saliba comes just days after the defender claimed the Gunners missed out on the title because of his injury. Arsenal eventually fell behind Manchester City in the final weeks of the season without Saliba, who missed the 11 matches with a back injury. He told Telefoot: "Last year, I){kind=link}
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has praised William Saliba for his growth over the past 12 months after the defender claimed his injury cost the Gunners dear in last year’s title race
Mikel Arteta has lauded the “remarkable” evolution of William Saliba in the wake of the Arsenal defender’s return from injury.
Saliba, 22, enjoyed a breakthrough season last year and quickly became one of the Gunners’ most influential players, striking up an imperious partnership with Gabriel Magalhaes in defence. The duo were instrumental in Arsenal’s title challenge, which faltered when Saliba sustained an injury during the final weeks of the campaign.
The France international has picked up where he left off this term, though, after making a return to fitness. And Arteta is full of praise for the defender, who had to wait patiently for his chance in the first-team fold.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Arteta said of Saliba: “When you look how he’s developing, his role in the team, the level and consistency he’s shown in the last year or so, it’s remarkable. I don’t think you will find a lot of centre-backs doing what he’s doing.”