Manchester United all-time top scorer Wayne Rooney has called the pairing of Arsenal duo William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes as the best defensive partnership in the current era of the Premier League, Afrosport reports.
The French and Brazilian centre-backs have been putting in solid displays since they started playing together during the 2022-23 season, earning rave reviews for improving the Gunners defensively.
With Saliba and Gabriel, Arsenal have finished second three times consecutively in the league, coming close to winning the title in 2023-24, conceding the least goals in the top flight in each of the three seasons they came second.
Both players signed contract extensions keeping them at the club until 2030 and 2029 respectively.
Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show, Rooney said none of the defenders of the current era compares to those he played with during his era like Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic whom he had as teammates at United while he faced opposition defenders like John Terry, Sol Campbell, Kolo Toure among others.
“In this current age, the centre-backs are nowhere near as good as the ones I played against,” the 39-year-old said.
“Saliba and Gabriel complement each other really well.
“You can see them leading and talking, that is what you need, you need talkers and leaders as centre-backs.
“Would I put them at the same level as players I have played against? No I wouldn’t. But they are possibly the best pairing in this day.”
Gabriel x Saliba 📸#UCL pic.twitter.com/98k7QqJrEw
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) February 3, 2025
Rooney has been involved in coaching since his retirement from professional football in 2021, managing Derby County, D.C. United, Birmingham City, and most recently Plymouth Argyle.
