Arsenal defender William Saliba has opened up about his admiration of Virgil Van Dijk and his aims for the new season.

Saliba, widely regarded as the best center back at the Gunners, was injured during the run in at the end of the last campaign.

His absence resulted in the Gunners dropping points and losing the Premier League title to Manchester City.

“I still watch him!" Saliba said of Van Dijk to The Mail.

“I really like his quality in one-against-one, his calmness, his composure and his long balls as well.

“He has everything and, for me, he was a good defender to learn from… I think he was – for two or three years – the best defender in the world."

“No, I'm not surprised because I knew that I had a good time on loan, I knew I was ready, I was just waiting for my chance," Saliba added on his breakthrough last season.

“I'm looking forward to the future with this club. The future will be good for everyone, I hope. It won't be easy but we will work hard for this and I know the club will be back at the very, very top. We have to do everything to win every title possible."