Arsenal have conceded just three goals in seven consecutive Premier League wins.
William Saliba has been at the core of that mean defensive stat for the Gunners, establishing a strong partnership with Gabriel Magalhaes.
Saliba's solid performances have also earned him comparisons with Virgil van Dijk, who has been the best centre-back in the league for years now.
Arsenal legend David O’Leary, quoted by the Daily Mirror, said in a recent interview: "Saliba is like Van Dijk when Van Dijk came to Liverpool.
"To me he will only get better - he is a Rolls Royce.
"I think him and Gabriel are a partnership that is consistently as good as anybody in the Premier League. And what has brought them further on this year is the great Declan Rice sitting in front of them who has been awesome."
O'Leary added: "That three there have been absolutely phenomenal. They are the backbone really. For the push now until the end of the season, it is vitally important that you don’t lose these three."
Arsenal have been unlucky with injuries this season but Saliba, Magalhaes and Rice cannot afford any misfortune right now.
The Gunners are just two points behind leaders Liverpool, who take on second-placed Manchester City this weekend. If either of them drop points, Arsenal stand to gain a massive advantage.
