Estimated market value (beta)
Overview
Weighted average of attribute scores for this role, position-adjusted. Standout attributes count more than weaknesses.
Attributes (grouped)
Mobility
Covers ground quickly for a big centre-back when stepping out or recovering. (conf 0.85)
Elite recovery pace lets Arsenal hold a high line against fast forwards. (conf 0.88)
Remarkably smooth turner for 1.92m, rarely beaten by sharp changes of direction. (conf 0.8)
Comfortably plays full Premier League seasons at consistent intensity. (conf 0.8)
Control
Clean receiving under pressure, kills pressing triggers with one touch. (conf 0.85)
Carries out of the back with press-resistant, unhurried ball-carrying. (conf 0.8)
Uses frame and long levers to shield and roll away from pressing forwards. (conf 0.8)
Solid clean contact on clearances and drilled passes, rarely shoots. (conf 0.7)
Distribution
Very high completion breaking first pressure lines in Arsenal's build-up. (conf 0.88)
Reliable switches and clipped diagonals, though less expansive than Gabriel's left side. (conf 0.8)
Almost never in wide crossing positions; not part of his game. (conf 0.6)
Sees the right forward pass but prioritises secure circulation. (conf 0.75)
Chance threat
Occasional set-piece goals; not a natural finisher. (conf 0.7)
Rarely shoots, and sensibly so from his positions. (conf 0.6)
Movement limited to set-piece runs and build-up positioning. (conf 0.6)
Does not take free kicks or penalties. (conf 0.7)
Duels
Dominant in both boxes with height, timing and clean heading technique. (conf 0.88)
Exceptional one-v-one defender, times tackles superbly against elite dribblers. (conf 0.9)
Defense
Steps out aggressively when needed but role emphasises holding the line. (conf 0.7)
Elite interception reader, cuts passes into the striker before they arrive. (conf 0.88)
Anchors Arsenal's league-best defence with near-flawless positional sense. (conf 0.9)
Mental
Famously unflappable under pressure, plays through presses with total calm. (conf 0.9)
Consistently chooses right between engaging, delaying and covering. (conf 0.85)
Efficient rather than frantic; does his job without wasted running. (conf 0.75)
Resilience
Durable since 2022 apart from the 2023 back injury that ended his season. (conf 0.75)
Outlook
At 25, entering peak years with room to become the world's best CB. (conf 0.75)
Widely regarded among the best centre-backs in world football. (conf 0.85)
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Scouting Report & Player Insights
William Saliba is Arsenal's right-sided centre-back and one of the finest defenders in Europe, pairing elite recovery pace with rare composure on the ball. He anchors a high defensive line, defends huge spaces one-v-one, and progresses play with clean, press-resistant passing alongside Gabriel Magalhaes. A France international, he has been central to Arsenal's sustained Premier League title challenges under Mikel Arteta and signed a long-term contract extension in 2025.
Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year in 2021-22 while on loan at Marseille.
Became an immediate Arsenal starter in 2022-23 after three loan spells without a first-team appearance.
Cornerstone of the Gabriel-Saliba partnership underpinning one of the Premier League's best defensive records.
Signed a new long-term Arsenal contract in 2025 amid reported Real Madrid interest.