Forget the fact that we won the league but truth must be told, This particular player defender is arguably the best defender in the world especially when it comes to 1v1 situation, Even Van Dijk is not close to Him in that aspect”, Ryan Gravenberch named ONE Arsenal defender as the best defender currently in the whole world

In a statement that has set tongues wagging across the footballing community, Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch has ignited a fresh round of debate over who truly deserves the title of the best defender in world football. The Dutch international made the surprising admission during a post-match press conference following Liverpool’s recent domestic success.

Despite Liverpool lifting the Premier League title, Gravenberch was quick to shift the spotlight away from team glory and onto individual brilliance — in particular, the kind of defensive mastery that transcends club loyalty and national pride.

“Forget the fact that we won the league, but truth must be told,” Gravenberch said candidly. “This particular defender is arguably the best defender in the world, especially when it comes to 1v1 situations. Even Van Dijk is not close to him in that aspect.”

Those words sent shockwaves through both the Liverpool fanbase and the broader football community. Van Dijk, Gravenberch’s compatriot and a modern defensive icon, has been widely recognized as one of the top defenders of his generation. For Gravenberch to place another player above him — particularly a Premier League rival — is as bold as it is rare.

Though Gravenberch stopped short of naming the player during the conference, speculation immediately turned to Arsenal’s commanding centre-back, William Saliba. The French international has been a rock at the heart of Arsenal’s defence all season, gaining plaudits from coaches, pundits, and fans for his calmness under pressure, strength in duels, and supreme composure.

Saliba’s rise has been meteoric. Still only in his early twenties, he has already become one of the first names on Mikel Arteta’s team sheet. His ability to snuff out danger in one-on-one situations — whether against pacey wingers or physical centre-forwards — has made him a nightmare for attackers across Europe.

The timing of Gravenberch’s comments is significant. Arsenal are in the middle of an intense European campaign and have emerged as serious title contenders under Arteta. Saliba’s consistency at the back has been instrumental to their success, with many calling him the true backbone of the team.

Former professionals and analysts have not been shy in comparing Saliba to some of the game’s greats. Many believe that, if he continues on this trajectory, the Frenchman could redefine what it means to be a modern centre-back — combining physical dominance with elite-level technical skill and game intelligence.

What makes Saliba’s development even more impressive is how quickly he has adapted to the Premier League. After initial loan spells in France and questions over whether he was ready for top-tier English football, Saliba has silenced all critics in emphatic fashion.

Gravenberch’s comments also carry weight due to the source. As a young but already experienced Premier League midfielder, he has come up against the league’s toughest defenders and attackers. For him to pick out an opponent — and not a teammate — as the world’s best defender speaks volumes.

Social media lit up in the hours following the press conference, with hashtags like #Saliba and #BestDefender trending globally. Arsenal fans proudly embraced the unexpected praise, while even neutral fans acknowledged the merit in Gravenberch’s assessment.

Some fans and pundits even began to ask if the football world has been too slow in recognizing Saliba’s brilliance. “We’ve talked about Van Dijk, Dias, and Rudiger,” one commentator said. “But Saliba might be outperforming all of them this season.”

The comparison to Van Dijk, however, remains the most controversial part of Gravenberch’s statement. While Van Dijk is older and has enjoyed a longer period at the top, critics argue that recent performances suggest a slight decline in his sharpness — something Saliba seems to be improving upon week after week.

Whether or not Saliba has officially dethroned Van Dijk remains a matter of opinion, but what is clear is that he has forced his way into that elite group. And with players like Gravenberch now publicly recognizing his dominance, his reputation is only set to grow.

For Mikel Arteta, this is a dream scenario. Having a defender who is not only performing at the highest level but also earning respect from rivals adds a psychological edge as Arsenal look to reclaim glory at home and abroad.

Saliba himself has remained humble throughout the season. In interviews, he often credits his teammates and manager for his growth, showing maturity far beyond his years. But behind the quiet demeanor lies a defender whose confidence and presence are shaking up world football.

As the season nears its climax, all eyes will be on Saliba to see if he can maintain this incredible level of performance. If he does, there’s little doubt that the football world may soon universally agree with Ryan Gravenberch: William Saliba might just be the best defender in the world.