the potential partnership between gabriel and saliba (a thread)

william saliba is a very calm and composed defender who rarely goes to ground, and rather tries to hold the player up, position himself well for interceptions to break up the play. he averages 1.6 tackles per game compared to his 1.8 interceptions. (1/7)

saliba is very strong in the air with 63% of ground duels won, which comes as no surprise with his height (6ft4”), however he is equally quick and agile, both on the ball and off of it. (2/7)

what really impresses me with saliba is this: he is dribbled past 0.4 times per game, and completes 0.5 dribbles. for a defender these stats highlight his ability both reading the game and progressing the ball forwards. (3/7)

furthermore, saliba commits 0.2 fouls per game, and at the same time is fouled 0.5 times. this again shows his ability in progression, drawing defenders in and forcing them into making a challenge. (4/7)

on the other hand, gabriel is a very hands on defender. he completes 1.7 tackles per game and is the more reckless defender, though this shouldnt be viewer negatively. when paired with a saliba type, it allows each player to play their own win and brings out their best. (5/7)

gabriel is also very strong in the air, with a 65% aerial win rate, and he is also fouled more times than he commits. to have two defenders with these stats is very impressive and is a big step forwards in playing expansive, progressive football under mikel arteta (6/7)

both players are good passers, with 88% and 82% accurate passes respectively. they have high numbers both in their own half and in the opposition half, displaying their abilities to find their teammates and play the ball that starts an attack for the team (7/7

end of thread :) the two will compliment eachother very well and both tighten up our defence and add to our forward play starting from the backline. it is no surprise arteta is after gabriel for these reasons, and at only around €20-30m.