Antonio Rudiger names best centre-back pair in the world - 'They're doing an amazing job'
Antonio Rudiger is widely considered to be one of European football's top defenders, with the Real Madrid star now revealing who he believes should be held in the same regard
by Jacob Leeks · The MirrorAntonio Rudiger has crowned Gabriel and William Saliba as the best central defensive partnership in world football.
The duo have formed a solid pairing for Arsenal over the past three seasons and have been a key part of the team which has emerged as Manchester City's closest challengers for the Premier League title.
Their performances have clearly caught the eye of Rudiger, who is himself considered one of Europe's top defenders. The Real Madrid star has now highlighted the duo when asked for his list of the best centre-backs in the game.
He particularly praised Gabriel for his vocal leadership of the defensive line. Rudiger also highlighted Saliba's playing style as a reason why he has been so impressed with the Gunners' pair.
"Saliba and I like Gabriel from Arsenal as well. "If you see Arsenal, like the two centre backs who are playing together, they are doing since two years now, they're doing an amazing job," Rudiger told the Inside Scoop podcast.
"Like the transformation from Arsenal, that was a bit before and now, and those two are the pillar of it. You have with Gabriel the more aggressive leader and for example Saliba is, this brother plays clean. No, really, you have to give it to him. You know, he looks like a silent leader."
While Rudiger is ready to sing their praises, his former manager at Chelsea, Frank Lampard, is holding off from crowning them just yet. He insisted they had to win silverware before they can be counted among the Premier League's best defensive pairings.
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"No, not yet. If they go and win two or three Premier Leagues and a Champions League then maybe you can compare them. Listen, I’m not putting them down. They are fantastic, young and they’re growing all the time," he told Amazon Prime.
"It’s not fair to make that comparison because this is all ahead of them. But at this point, no. But what they’re doing at the minute is great things. But yeah, win some stuff, boys, and you can get in that conversation fully."
Rudiger's comments come after Gabriel was nominated for the Premier League's Player of the Month award for September. The Brazilian has scored twice and helped Arsenal go unbeaten in their three league games in that period.
His first strike came in the North London Derby against Spurs when he headed home the winner. A week later, he scored his side's second in their title showdown with Manchester City.
So far, Gabriel has played every minute of his side's Premier League campaign and helped to keep three clean sheets in six matches. The Gunners are next in action on Saturday when they host struggling Southampton.
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