Rio Ferdinand believes Mikel Arteta faces a difficult selection decision at Arsenal as William Saliba approaches his return from injury.
Summer signing Ezri Konsa has impressed alongside Gabriel Magalhães, making it harder for Saliba to reclaim his starting position immediately.
Ferdinand calls Konsa an 'immovable object'
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ferdinand praised the £55 million signing from Aston Villa.
"Mikel Arteta has got a huge problem now. What is he going to do when Saliba is fit?" Ferdinand asked.
"Because Konsa has come into that back four and said, 'I have been here for 10 years and I am the immovable object now,' that is what it feels [like]."
Ferdinand highlighted the defender's confidence and authority.
"He looks dominant, aggressive and he looks accustomed to wearing the Arsenal shirt. He looks like he is meant to be there," Ferdinand added.
However, he believes competition for places should benefit Arteta.
"This is a problem, but it is a problem that Mikel Arteta, I hope, will enjoy," he said.
William Saliba steps up Arsenal comeback
Saliba completed a planned 45-minute appearance for Arsenal Under-21s against Aston Villa on Sunday.
The French defender has not played a competitive first-team match since suffering a back injury during the World Cup.
His return would give Arteta another established centre-back alongside Konsa and Gabriel.
Ferdinand also suggested Konsa could occasionally operate at right-back to accommodate Saliba.
Arsenal's title form impresses Ferdinand
Arsenal lead the Premier League after ten matches, with successive 1-0 victories over Liverpool and Hull City.
Ferdinand believes their ability to win difficult matches makes them dangerous.
"The way Arsenal are finding ways to win football matches without playing their best football, that just spells trouble for everybody else," he explained.
"If you are winning games ugly and not in your best form, imagine when you get to being in form and your real players start kicking in."
Key Points
- Ferdinand praises Konsa's impact at Arsenal.
- Saliba played 45 minutes for the Under-21s.
- Arteta faces competition for centre-back positions.
- Konsa could also provide an option at right-back.
What's Next?
Arsenal visit Newcastle United on 21 November, although Saliba's availability remains unconfirmed.
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