Back to the Chelsea Newsfeed

Martin Keown hits out at Marcel Desailly for calling William Saliba 'average' and insists the Arsenal centre-back has 'a complete skill set'

Martin Keown has criticised former Chelsea defender Marcel Desailly for delivering a brutal verdict on Arsenal centre-back William Saliba.

In a recent interview, Desailly said that Saliba was nothing 'extraordinary' and that the 22-year-old's individual quality was below average.

Desailly's comments shocked the likes of Keown and Rio Ferdinand as they both believe Saliba has become one of Europe's most talented young defenders.

Speaking ahead of Arsenal's Champions League clash with Sevilla on Wednesday evening, Keown said he feels as though Saliba has 'a complete skill set'.

While Ferdinand credited Saliba with 'producing performances way beyond his years' and said the youngster will 'grow into a leader at Arsenal'.