Arsenal signing William Saliba 'a mix of Virgil van Dijk and Raphael Varane', says former coach

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Tom Dutton24 August 2020

France youth coach Jean-Luc Vannuchi has revealed Arsenal signing William Saliba was "a monster" as he climbed through the various age groups in the national set-up.

Saliba, who signed for the Gunners last summer but returned to St-Etienne on loan for a season, was immediately made captain after being called-up to the national under-18 side.

He was making light work of opposition two years his senior and accelerated through the ranks before signing his first professional deal at St-Etienne in 2016.

"My first impression was that this was the biggest man of his generation," Vannuchi told The Telegraph.

"The difference between him and the other players was massive.

"When he took the ball and ran into midfield, no one could stop him. He was like a monster compared to the others. When he played with St-Etienne it looked normal for him, even though he was so young."

Still just 19, Saliba is preparing for his first campaign with Arsenal and has been drafted in to solve an issue which has troubled the club over several seasons: The heart of defence.

If that isn't pressure enough on teenage shoulders, Vannuchi's eagerness to draw comparisons between Saliba and some of the best of his craft will likely crank up the heat a notch ahead of his first taste of the Premier League.

"A mix of the two styles," Vannuchi added.

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"With Varane because of his speed and power, and with Van Dijk it is the interceptions, the positioning on the pitch."

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