Mikel Arteta not interested in comparing William Saliba to Virgil van Dijk

Mikel Arteta has told Arsenal centre-back William Saliba to ignore comparisons with Virgil van Dijk ahead of Sunday’s clash with Liverpool.

Saliba has made a fine start to the campaign and his excellent form has contributed towards the Gunners sitting at the Premier League summit after eight matches.

A true test of Arsenal’s title credentials will come against Liverpool at the Emirates and the focus will inevitably be placed on Saliba.

While the France international joined the club in 2019, it is only now he is getting a run of games – after spells away on loan – and his bright start has generated debate over whether he could become as good as Liverpool defender Van Dijk.

“Wow, that’s a really big question,” Arteta replied when asked about the comparison.

“I am really happy with where he is at the moment. He is Saliba, he’s no-one else and he needs to make his own career.

“The way he has established himself, the composure and leadership he has shown on the pitch has been really good.

“And then that he has done it in a really natural way without any flashing lights, just being himself. He’s very quiet and at the same time very confident.”

While positivity surrounds Arsenal at the minute, with the club winning nine of their opening 10 matches in all competitions this season, Liverpool have faced a tricky start.

Jurgen Klopp conceded his side were a work in progress last month with the Reds currently in ninth.

But Arteta insisted: “I’m not here to judge where Liverpool are. What they have done in the last five years doesn’t need any presentation. It’s clear.

“They have been up there in every single competition for the last five years, so credit to them for what they’ve done.

“Again another really exciting game to play in