Is William Saliba the best defender in the Premier League?

Arsenal currently has the best defense in the Premier League, having conceded the fewest goals. Despite his young age, William Saliba has become the leader in the defensive line, and his performances this season suggest that he should be rated as one of the best central defenders in the league. His main competitor is probably Virgil van Dijk from Liverpool, who has regained the form that made him one of the best in the world this season.

William Saliba Premier League stats 2023/24: 
◉ 13 games
◉ 1 goal and 1 assist 
◉ 93.2% pass success 
◉ 56.3 % duel success 
◉ 12 tackles
◉ 6 clean sheets 

Virgil van Vijk Premier League stats 2023/24: 
◉ 11 games
◉ 2 assists 
◉ 80% duel success 
◉ 91.6% pass success 
◉ 13 tackles 
◉ 3 clean sheets 

Saliba has ensured defensive stability, and his partnership with Gabriel has solidified Arsenal's defensive capabilities. There's no doubt that this duo is among the best-performing in the Premier League. Despite being only 22 years old, Saliba is a leader on the field, possessing the qualities a modern defender needs: speed, passing ability, aerial prowess, and authority. Based on his statistics for Arsenal, it's fair to rate him among the best, if not the best, central defenders in the Premier League.

Saliba’s Premier League record: 
◉ 40 games 
◉ 30 wins
◉ 6 draws
◉ 4 losses.