“He’s not who I thought he was – he’s a beast in human form and the backbone of this Arsenal team,” Ancelotti says, revealing the ONE Arsenal player who stunned him today – and it’s neither Declan Rice nor Merino.

In a match where the spotlight was expected to fall on stars like Declan Rice or rumored transfer target Mikel Merino, it was William Saliba who stole the show and left even Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti stunned.

The veteran coach, known for working with football legends like Ronaldo and Kaka, couldn’t hide his amazement after the game, declaring, “He’s not actually whom I think he is, he’s a beast in human form.” Ancelotti’s words echoed the sentiment that Saliba’s performance was far beyond expectations.

Rather than being the player making headlines every week, Saliba often flies under the radar. However, in this particular match, his impact was impossible to ignore.

Ancelotti admitted that Madrid’s game plan was to exploit the spaces behind Arsenal’s defense, but Saliba’s composure and anticipation thwarted those tactics completely. “He’s not just defending – he’s orchestrating,” the Madrid boss confessed, acknowledging Saliba’s ability to control the game from the backline.

From the very first whistle, Saliba dominated every aspect of his defensive duties. Whether it was aerial duels, positioning, or his ability to read the game several steps ahead, he looked like a seasoned veteran commanding his troops. While Arsenal is known for its midfield quality and attacking creativity, Saliba emerged as the quiet yet unshakable foundation that the team was built upon.

His partnership with Gabriel Magalhães continues to grow, but in this game, Saliba clearly stood out as the leader of Arsenal’s defense. Fans at the Emirates made their appreciation known, chanting his name after he denied a clear scoring chance from Madrid striker Joselu in the dying moments of the game.

Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown, commenting after the game, compared Saliba to the best in the world. “We always say Van Dijk is the modern centre-back prototype,” Keown said, “but Saliba is setting a new standard.”

Ancelotti’s reaction wasn’t just admiration—it was a signal to Europe that Saliba has arrived on the big stage. Arsenal is no longer just chasing top-four dreams—they’re fighting for titles, and Saliba is at the heart of that mission.

Mikel Arteta summed it up best: “That’s William. Quiet, composed, and monstrous when it matters.” Today, the football world saw exactly why he’s becoming Arsenal’s most crucial player.