BREAKING NEWS: There was a sense of surprise at training today when Mikel Arteta announced that an academy defender will be starting ahead of Jakub Kiwior in tomorrow’s match. However, William Saliba wasn’t shocked by the decision. Speaking on the youngster’s abilities, Saliba stated, “With the way he plays, I honestly believe he’s even more aggressive than Gabriel Magalhães.” The French defender didn’t hold back in his praise, offering a strong and honest assessment of the academy talent who is now officially set to start against Real Madrid.

In a surprising turn of events during Arsenal’s training session, Mikel Arteta confirmed that a young academy defender will be starting in place of Jakub Kiwior for the upcoming match against Real Madrid. While this decision shocked many, William Saliba wasn’t surprised at all. The French center-back openly praised the youngster, stating that he sees qualities in him that even rival those of Gabriel Magalhães, particularly in terms of aggressive defending.

As the Gunners prepare for a high-stakes clash with Real Madrid, attention has shifted to this emerging academy talent. With Magalhães ruled out due to injury, the opportunity has opened for the young defender to step into the spotlight. Saliba, now an established figure in Arsenal’s backline, expressed full confidence in his teammate’s ability to rise to the occasion.

Saliba’s admiration stems from the player’s composure, intelligence, and understanding of the game despite his youth. “He’s handled training sessions really well and shown he can perform under pressure,” Saliba commented. “His progress has been impressive, and I believe he’s ready for this challenge.”

Arsenal’s youth development program has consistently produced top-tier talent, and this young defender appears to be the latest success story. Known for his solid reading of the game and technical proficiency, he has seamlessly fit into Arsenal’s tactical system. Saliba emphasized how important it is that the defender grasps the club’s playing style, saying, “He knows exactly how we want to play, which gives us added confidence going into this match.”

The upcoming fixture against Real Madrid is more than just a preseason game—it’s a test of character and capability against one of Europe’s elite clubs. Saliba acknowledged the immense pressure such games bring but believes the academy graduate is mentally prepared. “These are the moments young players dream about,” he said. “And I think he’s ready to take his chance.”

Saliba also spoke about the team’s unity and the importance of supporting one another during difficult periods. He stressed that trust and leadership will be key in navigating tough fixtures. “We always have each other’s backs. That belief in one another makes all the difference,” he added.

As kickoff approaches, Arsenal fans are filled with hope—not only for the match itself but for the bright future that lies ahead, led by promising young stars and supported by experienced players like Saliba.