Frank Lampard played down recent comparisons (Image: Getty)
has shut down claims that ‘s defensive partnership William Saliba and Gabriel are comparable to some of the greats.
The centre-backs have made impressive strides at the Emirates Stadium and form the key core of ’s side that has been vital in the Gunners asserting themselves as title contenders over the past few years.
The duo have been rock-solid defensively but also been key in how build out from the back, and their attacking threat from set-pieces cannot be understated. Saliba and Gabriel’s displays have seen them labelled as the best pairing in Europe on countless occasions, though some believe that the partnership could be considered two of the best to ever grace the pitch.
Lampard worked with some incredible defenders during his career, though the centre-back pairing of John Terry and Ricardo Carvalho sits head and shoulders above the rest for the former manager.
Asked if Saliba and Gabriel are comparable to his former teammates, Lampard told Amazon Prime Video Sport: “No, not yet.
“If they go and win two or three Premier Leagues and a Champions League then maybe you can compare them.
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William Saliba and Gabriel continue to impress at Arsenal (Image: Getty)
“Listen, I’m not putting them down. They are fantastic, young and they’re growing all the time. It’s not fair to make that comparison because this is all ahead of them. But at this point, no. But what they’re doing at the minute is great things. But yeah, win some stuff, boys, and you can get in that conversation fully.”
Saliba and Gabriel will be hoping to enhance their claims as two of the best in the business at the end of the season by leading to success both domestically and on the European stage.
Ricardo Carvalho and John Terry are regarded as two of the best defenders in Premier League history (Image: Getty)
Ex- star Rio Ferdinand has talked up the duo as the best in Europe whilst speaking on TNT Sports last month. He explained: “Definitely. I think they are. They proved that in the last couple of seasons now.
“They’re resolute. They’re hard. They can do it in different ways. You’ve got a great blend. Saliba is a little bit more calm and wants to cover and sweep a little bit. Gabriel’s on the front foot, more of a Martin Keown type. [He’s an] aggressive-type player. They complement each other so well.”