Arsenal new boy Saliba a 'mix of Varane & Van Dijk', says former coach

Jean-Luc Vannuchi has heaped praise on William Saliba saying that the defender was performing well beyond expectations since an early age.

Arsenal splashed about €30 million to secure the services of William Saliba in the summer of 2019 an attempt to put an end to their nagging defensive struggles.

19-year old Saliba was allowed to remain at Saint Etienne for another year with the aim of letting him continue his development. But is now available to partake in the pre-season training for the Gunners.

There’s an enormous pressure on the shoulders of the young center-back to make a quick impact at the heart of Arsenal’s defense during his debut Premier League season.

And Jean-Luc Vannuchi, his former coach, feels he will not disappoint as he draws comparisons between the Frenchman and two of the best defenders, Virgil van Dijk and Raphael Varane.

Vannuchi told The Telegraph: “A mix of the two styles. With Varane because of his speed and power, and with Van Dijk it is the interceptions, the positioning on the pitch.”

“My first impression was that this was the biggest man of his generation. The difference between him and the other players was massive.

“When he took the ball and ran into midfield, no one could stop him. He was like a monster compared to the others. When he played with Saint-Etienne it looked normal for him, even though he was so young.”