Rio Ferdinand has named the Arsenal player who has ‘huge potential’ and still has ‘levels’ to go.

Arsenal enjoyed a marvellous campaign with evident signs of progression, taking Manchester City all the way to the wire.

Even if it ultimately ended up trophyless, there is little doubt Mikel Arteta’s men are on the right path and closer than ever before to a first Premier League title since 2004.

They ended the campaign as runners-up on 89 points, just two behind City, and one man was heavily influential – who Ferdinand really rates.

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Rio Ferdinand says William Saliba has ‘huge potential’

Speaking on his FIVE YouTube channel, Ferdinand admitted that Arsenal centre-back William Saliba has ‘huge potential’ with ‘levels’ still to go.

“Saliba, by the way, little stat for you. The only outfield player in Premier League history to go the full season playing every game, every minute,” the former Manchester United defender said.

“No, no (doesn’t look tired). Top, top player. Has got huge, huge potential. I still think there’s levels for him to go. Him and Gabriel as a partnership, wow.”

High praise from one of the Premier League’s greatest-ever centre-backs but Saliba is certainly a worthy recipient of it, as his statistics evince.

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William Saliba statistics

Saliba’s statistics make for very impressive reading.

As per FBref, the 23-year-old ranks in the top 12 per cent for passes attempted and the top nine per cent for passes completed compared to his positional peers across the big five leagues.

That amplifies how assured he is in possession and further evidences his importance in Arsenal’s build-up play.

Further, he averages 5.6 ball recoveries per game, which is just astounding and he’s not made a single error leading to a goal this term, according to Sofascore.

The pleasing thing for Arteta is that he’s still learning his trade and will only get even better.

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