Arsenal star William Saliba confuses Sean Dyche with a former Switzerland defender as the Frenchman tests his knowledge of Gunners players from years gone by
- The Swiss international played 117 games between 2003 and 2010
- William Saliba has become one of Arsenal’s most important players in recent times
- It’s the world against Everton – it could encourage the players to stay up – IAKO
William Saliba has been put to the test over the years in a test of his knowledge of Arsenal stars, but the Frenchman was left gobsmacked by a defender he says bears a striking resemblance to Everton boss Sean Dyche.
Saliba has emerged as one of the key stars at the Emirates Stadium over the past two seasons, finally getting his chance in North London after three loan spells in Ligue 1.
The centre-back has forged a brilliant partnership with Brazilian Gabriel Magalhaes at the heart of Mikel Arteta’s back four, almost leading the Gunners to a first Premier League title in 19 years this summer.
However, a back injury suffered in the Europa League curtailed his season, and without the France international at the back, Arsenal began to crumble, eventually ceding top spot to Treble winners Manchester City.
He was put to the test on his Arsenal knowledge by NBC Sports, and while he managed to name a few former Gunners, he particularly struggled with one star who made 117 appearances in seven years in north London.
Saliba was tested on his knowledge of former Arsenal players and struggled against one defender
The French centre-back believed they bore a striking resemblance to Everton boss Sean Dyche
The defender spent seven years at the club, winning an FA Cup-Community Shield double in 2005
After failing to mention Denilson, Manuel Almunia and Eduardo all by name, he was confronted with a photo of ex-Swiss international Philippe Senderos, but couldn’t quite place it and said: ‘Is that the Everton coach?’
He then laughed when the interviewer admitted that the two look alike, but even after being told the player played for the Swiss national team, he was still none the wiser.
It’s completely understandable, as Senderos’ 117 games came during a largely unsuccessful spell for the club between 2003 and 2010.
That said, Senderos did see an FA Cup-Community Shield double in 2005, before being named Swiss Footballer of the Year the following year.
However, Dyche never featured for the Gunners, although a young Senderos looks a lot like the Everton boss.
Dyche played as a centre-back for Nottingham Forest, Chesterfield, Bristol City, Luton Town, Milwall, Watford and Northampton Town, before moving into management in 2011.
But Senderos wasn’t the only player to escape Saliba’s memory. The France international briefly confused Tomas Rosicky and Andrey Arshavin before correctly identifying the Russian.
Saliba managed to select Yaya Sanogo, Alex Song – who recently hung up his boots – and Gervinho.
Saliba has become a key player under Mikel Arteta over the past two seasons
Senderos was part of an Arsenal team on the rise, alongside Cesc Fabregas (third left, back row) and Mathieu Flamini (bottom right)
