Arsenal legend Thierry Henry rates William Saliba as the best defender in the Premier League.

The France U21 coach has made the claim despite Saliba being ignored by Les Bleus manager Didier Deschamps.

He said: "Right now I think Saliba is the best. His one-on-one defence, the way he allows Arsenal to play higher and protects the area behind him is second to none.

"I worked in France when he played on loan for Marseille. I was surprised Arsenal didn't keep him because he was better than those who stayed in the team.

"But he went on loan, came back and showed everyone that it was a mistake. Now he is the best defender in the league."