Arsenal defender William Saliba rates himself in "the top three" of Premier League defenders as he predicts another title race "war" with Manchester City next season.
Saliba has developed a fearsome centre-back partnership with Gabriel as the Gunners recorded 18 clean sheets last season, the most of any team and five clear of second-placed City and Everton.
The France international international is widely considered among the best defenders in Europe, and perhaps even the best centre-back in the Premier League, but the Arsenal man is more "humble."
"I think I am in the top three [defenders in the league]," he told L'Equipe. "We finished with the best defence. I watch a lot of matches. I am a very humble person but last season, just like this season, I am in the top three defenders.
"I need to continue to work to go even higher […] in terms of concentration, I am a lot better. Before, I could play a top match but in one phase of play, I slept a bit. That is no longer the case. I am always on alert."
Despite Saliba's efforts in defence, Arsenal again finished the season empty-handed after being pipped to the Premier League by City.
Saliba believes the Gunners are making progress and is ready for another battle next season. He added: "We played against them three times [last season] and we made them struggle.
"They feel and we feel that we are close to them. Next year, we will have an even better war."
