Gary Neville compares William Saliba to Manchester United hero after impressive Arsenal debut

Gary Neville has compared William Saliba to Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand after an impressive Arsenal debut.

Saliba finally made his Gunners debut in Friday night’s Premier League opener against Crystal Palace.

Arsenal spent nearly £30m to sign Saliba from Saint-Etienne in 2019, but the French defender has not featured for the club in three years.

Saliba spent last season on loan at Marseille but returned to north London in the summer and was impressed with Mikel Arteta’s pre-season plans.

Making his Arsenal debut at busy Selhurst Park might have been a daunting prospect, but Saliba impressed as he helped the Gunners to a 2-0 victory.

Jamie Carragher named Saliba Man of the Match, and he and fellow Sky Sportsman Gary Neville praised the 21-year-old Saliba after the match.

Manchester United legend Neville said: “I was very impressed with Saliba. In fact, he reminded me of a young Rio Ferdinand.

He is 21 years old and is a very young defender. Mikel Arteta couldn’t have been happier with Arsenal surviving a second half that didn’t work out for the best.

“Away from Crystal Palace it’s a tough challenge and a great performance from Saliba.”

Carragher added: He didn’t have to do much in the first half, but there was a long ball that he collided with.

“How he would handle his other half at such a young age… it seemed real.

I always thought he was Arsenal’s weak point, so bringing him in definitely adds something. His physicality will really help Arsenal in away games.

Meanwhile, Saliba was delighted to have made his long-awaited debut in Arsenal’s first win, saying:

“I’ve been waiting for my debut for a long time, so I’m happy to keep a clean sheet and win. It’s important for my confidence.”

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