Mohamed Salah has sparked a debate with his recent comments, choosing Manchester City’s Kyle Walker over Arsenal’s William Saliba as the Premier League’s top defender.
During a press conference, Salah described Walker as the best defender he has faced in the league, which seemed to overlook Saliba, who has garnered significant praise for his impressive performances this season.
While acknowledging Saliba’s talents, Salah ultimately singled out Walker, stating, “I’ve faced Saliba many times, and he’s a great defender, but Kyle Walker is on another level. His pace, strength, and tactical intelligence make him the hardest to beat. Few players combine those qualities so effectively—he’s the best for me.”
Walker, a key figure for Manchester City under Pep Guardiola, has become known for his defensive reliability, with his speed and awareness allowing him to handle some of the toughest attacking threats, including Salah himself.
Salah further elaborated on the unique challenge Walker presents, saying, “With Kyle, you can’t just rely on speed or strength. You need to think ahead because he anticipates so well and closes down space quickly. It’s a real challenge for any forward.”
Although Saliba has been crucial in Arsenal’s defensive improvements, Salah’s preference for Walker emphasizes the veteran full-back’s lasting impact in the Premier League.
While Saliba’s composure and technical ability have made him a standout this season, Salah’s firsthand experience against Walker further solidifies the City defender’s elite status.
Salah’s praise only strengthens Walker’s reputation as one of the league’s best, reigniting discussions on who truly deserves the title of Premier League’s top defender.
