Antonio Rudiger, a centre back for Real Madrid, has said that Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba, two centre backs for Arsenal, are in the top three best centre backs in the world right now.

The Gunners are again in the running for the Premier League title after coming second to Manchester City the last two years. Their centre-back pairing has been a big part of their strong defensive play.

Last season, Arsenal gave up the fewest goals in the Premier League. Frank Lampard has also said that Gabriel and Saliba are like John Terry and Ricardo Carvalho, two great Chelsea players.

Rudiger is amazed by their partnership and says that they are the main reason why the North London club has changed so much on the pitch in the last two seasons.

The Madrid star was asked on The Inside Scoop who he thought were the best three centre backs right now besides himself. He said, “I would go with William Saliba, Virgil van Dijk, and Gabriel Magalhaes from Arsenal as well.”

“If you watch Arsenal, the two centre backs have been playing together for two years and are doing a great job.”

“The changes at Arsenal from a little while ago to now are the two main parts of it.”

“You have Gabriel, who is the brave leader, and Saliba, who is the good guy!” He looks like a quiet boss, so you have to give it to him.

Rudiger is right on the mark, and the two have been great at defence for Arsenal over the last two seasons.

The Gunners have further strengthened their defence with the additions of Spanish goalkeeper David Raya and Italian full-back Riccardo Calafiori, while Dutch defender Jurrien Timber is back from the injury that ruled him out of the majority of last season.

If Arsenal wins the Premier League for the first time since 2004 in May 2025, they will be looking to go one better this season. Both Saliba and Gabriel will be very important to their success.