Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has delivered a stinging assessment of William Saliba’s recent performances, suggesting the Arsenal centre-back has struggled to step up in the absence of his regular partner, Gabriel Magalhaes.
Speaking after Arsenal’s 2-2 draw with Liverpool on Sunday, Carragher argued that Saliba has been exposed since the Brazilian’s hamstring injury in April, which has kept him sidelined.
Saliba, who has Cameroonian heritage, has emerged as a key figure in Mikel Arteta’s defense this season, forming a formidable pairing with Gabriel at the heart of Arsenal’s back line.
However, Carragher believes the French international lacks the leadership required to anchor the defense on his own.
“When you’re a centre-back. OK, this guy (Gabriel) next to me is the leader,” Carragher said.
“When he moves away you’ve got to then become the leader of that back four and organise people and not just play your own game.”
Carragher, known for his no-nonsense defending during his time at Anfield, went on to highlight the importance of commanding the defensive line, drawing comparisons to iconic leaders like Tony Adams and Virgil van Dijk.
“That’s the thing I think is still lacking with Saliba,” he noted. “Without Gabriel he doesn’t look the same player and that’s not something you want to be labelled as.”
Reflecting on his own playing days, Carragher admitted he would have been “embarrassed” if his effectiveness depended on a specific partner.
“I’d be embarrassed if I was playing centre-back for Liverpool and people were saying he’s not the same player without him next to him,” he added, challenging Saliba to take on a more authoritative role in Arsenal’s back line.
