When Arsenal confirmed in July that William Saliba would miss an "extended period" with a long-term back issue, you can forgive fans for panicking. The Frenchman has formed a formidable pairing with Gabriel Magalhaes as part of the Gunners' well-drilled backline that conceded just 27 league goals last season as they lifted the Premier League title. Eight games into the new season and Saliba still hasn't featured, but Mikel Arteta's side have conceded the fewest goals in the Premier League as they sit level on points at the summit.
That form is testament to the performances of Ezri Konsa, who has stepped up in Saliba's absence and been given his chance to shine. Before Arsenal signed the 29-year-old for £55m from Aston Villa in August, questions were asked. Do the Gunners need him with Cristhian Mosquera already in the squad?
Why bring in Konsa and not a forward? But now, the debate is whether Konsa and Gabriel are the best partnership in world football, not just the Premier League. Arsenal already had seven senior defenders on the books when they signed Konsa.
And add in the fact they already had one of the most solid partnerships in world football too, it can be understood why there was confusion about such a big outlay. Arsenal have changed their recruitment strategy, focusing on signings in the peak of their career as they look to capitalise on their win window and continue to lift silverware. Konsa is exactly what they are looking for - in his prime.
The defender made 286 appearances for Villa after joining in July 2019 from Brentford and helped them win the Europa League in May, the club's first European trophy since 1982. He has established himself as a first-choice starter for England and started seven of their eight games at the World Cup. His former Aston Villa team-mate, Morgan Rogers - who himself made a big-money move this summer when he joined Chelsea for £117m - said at the World Cup that Konsa does not get the credit he deserves and that he is "one of the best centre-backs in football".
Konsa is an imposing figure, quick across the ground, and his aggression in challenges has impressed supporters. Having signed on the opening day of the season, Arteta has praised the way the centre-back has settled in as "unbelievable". "He's gone to a huge club like Arsenal with no pre-season when Saliba is here, with other players that are already here," Arteta added of Konsa's start.
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