Arsenal have had an excellent season, even if they do not end up winning the Premier League, and several players have been amongst the best in the Division.
Mikel Arteta’s side are still in the race heading into the final day of the season, but they will need Manchester City to drop points against West Ham if they are to win a first title since 2004.
Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard were in contention for the Premier League Player Of The Year award, with Gabriel Magalhaes unlucky to miss out, whilst Bukayo Saka and William Saliba were also nominated for the Young Player Of The Year award.
Former Arsenal defender Kieran Gibbs has now given his verdict on who his old side’s best player has been this season, and he has come up with a surprising answer.
Kieran Gibbs names William Saliba as Arsenal’s best player this season
Speaking on ESPN FC, the former left-back named defender Saliba as Arsenal’s best player this season, above popular choices in Rice, Saka and Odegaard.
“That’s a tough one. It’s going to be between Odegaard and Saliba,” he replied when asked for his choice.
“I think I would go Saliba purely because I think probably the centre-half position has been such a big, not issue for Arsenal, but we have been waiting a long time for a centre-half like Saliba to come in, and I think he has completely reformed the defence.
“I think he has been absolutely outstanding and he is young. He has got such a long career ahead of him hopefully at Arsenal. I would edge him over Martin Odegaard.”
Has William Saliba been Arsenal’s best player this season?
Although the centre-back has had an excellent campaign, many would argue that his partner Gabriel has been more consistent, and that Rice is undoubtedly the number one candidate for his impact in the middle of the park.
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Saliba has had some shaky moments, with Taiwo Awoniyi’s goal in Arsenal’s victory over Nottingham Forest perhaps his lowest point, but he has also enjoyed better highs than anyone else.
The Frenchman was named the player of the match in games away at Liverpool, Manchester City and Man United, and his performances in these big games showcased his rugged defensive ability, with Arsenal conceding just once across those three games, as well as his composure in the back line.