Spending three years at Arsenal when Arsène Wenger was in charge, Emmanuel Petit knows the club well, and remains a place where he is fondly remembered.
He was on the Gunners team when he won the World Cup in 1998, but left just before the 2000 Euros success in a €15m move to Barcelona.
Petit, who played most of his career as a defensive midfielder, but sometimes at centre-back, is also in a strong position to discuss current Arsenal players, such as William Saliba, who was a topic of conversation during an interview the 52-year-old held with Le Progrès, relayed by But! Football Club.
Asked about the former Saint-Etienne starlet, who is now 22 and a regular starter under Mikel Arteta, the ex-footballer was very positive.
He said: “He’s one of the best in England at centre-back. He’s a stalwart. He has a lot of composure and personality on the pitch. He’s improved his communication, his reading of the game and his management of what’s behind him. He relied a bit on his strength and speed, but now, he’s adapted to the demands of English football.”
However, the former Arsenal player was adamant there is still a lot of room for the France international to improve, and he can only get better.
Petit added: “With his physical dimension, he could bring more to set piece, like John Terry or Rio Ferdinand did. Passing out the back, he’s progressed a lot and he shouldn’t hesitate to take risks to go up a level, especially in the style of game in place at Arsenal.”
Saliba, who was a big presence in Arsenal’s season during the last campaign, has continued to be strongly trusted by Arteta, who has chosen to start him in every game in the Premier League to date this year.
