William Saliba's Arsenal debut came three years after he signed for the club - and he was so impressive it saw him compared to former Manchester United man Rio Ferdinand.
The French defender was highly-rated when he initially signed for the Gunners, but Mikel Arteta seemed unconvinced and the centre-half has spent several seasons back in France on loan. Saliba was finally given his first Premier League start in his side's opening day win at Crystal Palace.
His lack of experience didn't tell as the centre-half claimed the Man of the Match award with his impressive stats highlighting his accomplished display. Arsenal kept a clean sheet at Selhurst Park as Saliba won all of his aerial duals whilst having a 94 per cent pass accuracy.
He recovered the ball seven times and made six clearances. He also ensured none of his opponents dribbled past them despite coming up against the likes of Wilfried Zaha and Eberechi Eze whilst not giving away any fouls. It was an impressive start to life as he partnered Gabriel in Arsenal's backline.
Gary Neville was full of praise for the 21-year-old, who drew particular praise for his second 45: "I was massively impressed with Saliba," he said on Sky Sports. "He actually reminded me of a young Rio Ferdinand. He’s such a young defender at 21. Getting through that second half, when Arsenal weren’t at their best, would have been the most pleasing thing for Mikel Arteta. Crystal Palace away, that’s a tough challenge and that’s a big performance from Saliba."
Carragher added: "I thought he was really good. He didn’t have much to do in the first half but there was one long ball where he just came across, the way he dealt with it… he looked the business, he looked the part. At such a young age, the way he dealt with that second half… he looked the real deal.
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"Bringing him in certainly adds something because you always thought that was a weakness for Arsenal. His physicality will certainly help Arsenal in those away games."
Saliba has staked his case with several centre-half options available to Arteta. Ben White was pushed out to right-back, but the Frenchman relished the challenge in south London. He said after the game: "We knew it would be hard here but we were strong and solid. I’ve waited a long time to make my debut and I’m happy to start with a clean sheet and a win. It’s important for confidence."
The Arsenal boss added: “You don’t really see that at 21 years old, a debut in the Premier League against this opponent, these physical players and resolve the situation the way he’s done it with that composure, with that calmness and with that presence. Big credit to the boy.”
