'Odegaard or Saliba' - Former Arsenal defender picks the Gunners' best Premier League performer

William Saliba and Martin Odegaard (Imago/PA Images/Sportimage)

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William Saliba and Martin Odegaard were outstanding in Arsenal's Premier League push (Imago/PA Images/Sportimage)

'Odegaard or Saliba' - Former Arsenal defender picks the Gunners' best Premier League performer

Seye Omidiora 12:11 - 19.05.2024

Erstwhile Arsenal left-back Kieran Gibbs has chosen Mikel Arteta's most consistent player in 2023-24.

Former Arsenal defender Kieran Gibbs believes William Saliba and Martin Odegaard have outperformed their teammates in North London.  

The three-time FA Cup winner with the Gunners recognised the impact of Declan Rice following his big-money move from West Ham United but praised the French centre-back and Norwegian for their consistency in the 2023-24 Premier League season, placing them above the Englishman. 

Odegaard's creative influence has been commendable for Mikel Arteta's men, while Saliba has played every minute of the Premier League season, mostly featuring with Gabriel at centre-back to create the division's most formidable backline that has kept 18 clean sheets. 

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What Gibbs said about Odegaard and Saliba

Gibbs, 34, selected the centre-back, praising his consistency and durability throughout the season. 

William Saliba
William Saliba has played every minute of Arsenal's Premier League campaign (Credit: Imago)

“It’s a tough one,” admitted the three-time FA Cup winner on ESPN. “It’s going to be between Odegaard and Saliba.”

“I think I would go Saliba probably because the centre-back position has been an issue for Arsenal. We’ve been waiting a long time for a centre-half like Saliba to come in and I think he has completely reformed the defence. 

“He has been absolutely outstanding and I would edge him over Martin Odegaard.”

What comes next for Arsenal?

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The Gunners still have a chance at the Premier League title on the final day, even if success is out of their hands.

Arsenal need Manchester City to drop points at home to West Ham and they need to take care of business on their end by defeating Everton at the Emirates to secure a first top-flight crown since the 2003-04 season.