Martin Keown hits out at Marcel Desailly for calling William Saliba ‘average’ and insists the Arsenal centre-back has ‘a complete skill set’

• Martin Keown has criticised Marcel Desailly for his comments on William Saliba
• Desailly said that the 22-year-old was below average and nothing ‘extraordinary’ 
• CHRIS SUTTON: Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is a CLOWN – It’s All Kicking Off 

Martin Keown has criticised former Chelsea defender Marcel Desailly for delivering a brutal verdict on Arsenal centre-back William Saliba. 

In a recent interview, Desailly said that Saliba was nothing ‘extraordinary’ and that the 22-year-old’s individual quality was below average. 

Desailly’s comments shocked the likes of Keown and Rio Ferdinand as they both believe Saliba has become one of Europe’s most talented young defenders. 

Speaking ahead of Arsenal’s Champions League clash with Sevilla on Wednesday evening, Keown said he feels as though Saliba has ‘a complete skill set’. 

While Ferdinand credited Saliba with ‘producing performances way beyond his years’ and said the youngster will ‘grow into a leader at Arsenal’. 

Martin Keown has criticised Marcel Desailly for delivering a brutal verdict on William Saliba

Desailly’s comments shocked the likes of Keown and Rio Ferdinand as they both believe Saliba has become one of Europe’s most talented young defenders

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Speaking ahead of Wednesday evening’s game, Keown said: I really can’t understand that (Desailly’s comments). I think Saliba has the complete skill set. 

‘I think he’s right now one of the best defenders in Europe. He has everything you need. His pace is phenomenal. His power. He reads the situation really well. 

‘He has everything you need. He’s aggressive and I think he has everything he needs. I am really surprised by that comment.’

Keown finished by saying: ‘We love having him at Arsenal because he’s physical and has everything you need.’

Rio Ferdinand agreed with Keown’s comments and said he felt as though Desailly hadn’t watched enough of Saliba. 

Ferdinand said: ‘I don’t think Marcel Desailly has watched enough of him. He might have seen one game or half a game. But his consistency has been fantastic. 

‘He’s the main man. He’s going to grow into a leader at this football club. That position demands concentration and minutes on the pitch.’

The former England international finished by saying: ‘Saliba’s producing performances way beyond his years.’

More to follow… 

Saliba will be looking to help Arsenal secure a place in the knockout stage of the Champions League by beating Sevilla on Wednesday evening

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