Former West Ham defender Anton Ferdinand has explained three reasons why Saliba could struggle at Arsenal next season.
Saliba enjoyed a breakthrough season under Mikel Arteta, becoming one of the best defenders in the Premier League.
A back injury has hindered his progress, as well as that of Arsenal, who went from first to second in the absence of the Frenchman.
Rob Holding joined as an assistant but has struggled to replicate the defender's form, with January signing Jakub Kiwior now believed to be first choice alongside Gabriel Magalhaes.
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Meanwhile, The Athletic's David Ornstein has announced Saliba will miss the rest of the campaign, a blow to the Gunners' title hopes. So fans will likely have to wait until next season to see the 22-year-old back in action.
Although Ferdinand feels this is where things could get tough for Saliba, he believes opposing teams will handle him.
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What did he say?
Ferdinand, speaking on his brother Rio's YouTube channel FIVE, warned Saliba of the difficulties of his second season in the Premier League, believing he will have to try harder.
"What do you know? As for Saliba, I can't wait to see what he has in store next year. The only reason I say that is because I know how difficult the second year is,” said Ferdinand.
The 38-year-old also thinks Saliba may have lost some of his adrenaline, believing in a player's first year 'the level of respect doesn't really exist'.
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“First year, adrenaline, people don't really know you, people don't really know how you play. The level of respect isn't really there. The second year is always the hardest year," continued Ferdinand.
"Look, I believe he has tremendous, incredible talent and potential. But until you see them in their second year, you don't know if they're the best or not. in my opinion.
Only time will tell what the young defender will do next season, but before he kicks a ball, Arteta must tie him to a new north London contract, with his current contract His license expires next year.
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