Football365 reported that, with William Saliba closing in on a return at Arsenal, Gary Lineker said Ezri Konsa is “ultimately a better defender”. Lineker also said he could see Konsa remaining in Arsenal’s starting XI even after Saliba returns.
Saliba nearing a return
William Saliba has been out since suffering a back injury against Spain in the semi-finals of this summer’s World Cup. Football365 said Saliba is closing in on a return to action.
Lineker and Richards comments
“I think Konsa is ultimately a better defender,” Lineker told The Rest is Football.
“I would still say Saliba,” Richards responded.
Richards also said: “And I thought oh if JT is saying that it must have a little bit of substance and I sort of I wouldn’t say I didn’t agree with it, I thought let me see.”
He added: “But he’s been proven right at the moment because he’s been that good.”
Konsa at Arsenal
Arsenal paid around £55m to sign Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa ahead of this season.
Football365 also reported that Football Transfers can reveal Konsa has been drilled to play at right-back since arriving in the summer.
Right-back claims
Football365 reported that Football Transfers said Konsa spent time playing for Villa at right-back, notably during the 2023/24 season. Football365 also reported that Football Transfers said Konsa made his England debut as a full-back.
Football365 said Arsenal beat Nottingham Forest 1-0 on Sunday.
