Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has recently fueled discussions with comments made during a press conference, where he identified Manchester City’s Kyle Walker as the toughest defender he has encountered in the Premier League.
This remark has sparked debate, especially as it seems to overlook Arsenal’s William Saliba, who has been widely praised for his exceptional performances this season.
Reflecting on his experiences against defenders in the league, Salah acknowledged Saliba’s impressive skills but highlighted Walker’s superiority. “I’ve faced Saliba several times, and he’s an excellent defender,” Salah noted. “But Kyle Walker is on a different level.
His combination of pace, strength, and tactical intelligence makes him the most challenging defender to beat. Few players possess all these qualities in one package—he’s the best in the league, in my opinion.”
Walker, a key player under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, has earned a reputation for being one of the Premier League’s most dependable and consistent defenders. Renowned for his extraordinary speed, sharp defensive awareness, and ability to neutralize top attackers, Walker has regularly excelled against elite players, including Salah.
Salah elaborated on what makes Walker such a formidable opponent, describing the unique challenges he poses. “With Kyle, you can’t rely solely on your speed or physical strength. He reads the game so well, anticipates your moves, and shuts down space quickly. It’s always a mental and physical battle when you face him,” Salah explained.
Despite the widespread recognition of Saliba’s contributions to Arsenal’s impressive campaign this season, Salah’s preference for Walker highlights the veteran defender’s enduring dominance.
Saliba’s composure, technical ability, and defensive acumen have made him one of the league’s standout players, but Salah’s personal experiences appear to solidify Walker as his top choice.
Salah’s endorsement of Walker has reignited discussions about who the best defenders in the Premier League are. For many, Saliba represents the future of elite defensive talent, while Walker remains the standard bearer for excellence in the position.
Ultimately, Salah’s admiration underscores Walker’s exceptional attributes and his ability to consistently perform at a high level in one of the world’s toughest leagues. Walker’s contributions to Manchester City’s success and his resilience against forwards like Salah demonstrate why he remains a benchmark for defensive excellence in English football.
