Arsenal defender Gabriel declared William Saliba is up there with "the best" defenders in the Premier League as he gave a glowing verdict on his debutant teammate.
Saliba, 21, made his first competitive appearance for the Gunners in Friday night's impressive 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. The France international partnered Gabriel at centre-back, while Benjamin White filled in on the right of defence, and helped Arsenal keep a clean sheet against the Eagles.
It was the type of commanding performance which proved Saliba is ready to flourish in England three years on from his £27million arrival from Saint-Etienne. Gunners fans have waited patiently to see the thrice-loaned-out player in action and Gabriel summed up their jubilant mood with his comments on the youngster's debut.
The Brazilian told Standard Sport of Saliba: "For me, he's the best! He's very young, very promising and a very good player. I am so happy to play with him, together. He has now started in the Premier League and he was so good."
Although Palace had chances of their own, Mikel Arteta will be pleased with the way his youthful side went about their business in South London. Gabriel Martinelli opened the scoring on 20 minutes and a late Marc Guehi own-goal secured an opening-night three points for the Gunners after the Eagles had threatened to equalise.
Gabriel added: "The team did very well. They showed intensity and everyone stayed together. It's very difficult to play here, but our 'keeper [Aaron Ramsdale] was strong. I believe in this team and it was very good. We got a clean sheet and three very good points."
Gabriel's praise for Saliba was echoed by Arteta, who was finally willing to throw the youngster into a "really difficult environment" three years on from his transfer. "You don't really see that," the Spaniard said of the player's fine debut.
"At 21 years old, debut in the Premier League, against this opponent, against physical players - and resolve that situation the way he has done it. With that composure, with that calmness and with that presence. So big credit to the boy. I wanted to let him be and let him play, that's the way we have tried to develop that player.
"To sign him at 18 years old and bring him back two years later is something unusual and he has been so determined and willing to come here and now proved the point that he is ready. Now we are exposing the player in a really difficult environment where he can navigate and enjoy it and be comfortable."
