In a recent column for The Telegraph, football pundit Jamie Carragher showered praise on Arsenal’s centre-back pairing, William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães. The former Liverpool defender compared the duo to some of the greatest defensive partnerships in Premier League history and claimed they have the potential to be remembered among the best.
Saliba and Gabriel Compared to Legendary Pairings
Carragher believes that if Saliba and Gabriel continue to grow together, they could soon be spoken of in the same breath as legendary defenders. He wrote, “Provided they stay together, we will eventually reference Saliba and Gabriel in the same breath as the two stand-out partnerships of my generation; Chelsea’s John Terry and Ricardo Carvalho, and Manchester United’s Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic.”
This comparison places the Arsenal pair alongside some of the most revered centre-backs in Premier League history, highlighting their defensive prowess and chemistry.
Success Required for Legacy
However, Carragher emphasized that for the pair to truly establish themselves as icons, Arsenal must win major titles. “Arsenal must win the Premier League or Champions League for the duo to establish themselves in that hall of fame,” he explained. The pundit believes that success on the biggest stages will solidify their legacy.
Key to Arsenal’s Confidence Against Manchester City
Carragher also highlighted how crucial Saliba and Gabriel have been to Arsenal’s rise under Mikel Arteta. “They are making giant strides and are the biggest reason why Mikel Arteta’s side can travel to Manchester City with confidence this weekend,” he noted. The stability they provide at the back has been key to Arsenal’s ability to compete at the highest level.
Carragher’s endorsement of Saliba and Gabriel underscores the duo’s growing importance to Arsenal’s success. While they are already being recognized for their defensive qualities, only time and trophies will determine if they can reach the heights of the iconic partnerships Carragher has compared them to.
Summary
Carragher compares Saliba and Gabriel to iconic defensive duos.
Arsenal must win major titles for the pair to cement their legacy.
Saliba and Gabriel are pivotal to Arsenal’s confidence against Manchester City.