Breaking: Defensive Trio Shine in Weekend Action; Guehi Helps Palace Hold Nerve, Saliba Impresses in Arsenal Rout, and Konate Solidifies Liverpool’s Top Defense, While Kerkez Continues toLight Up for Bournemouth
Headline:
Rising Stars: The Centre-Backs making Waves in the Premier League
Subheading:
A Look into the Futures of Marc Guehi, William Saliba, Ibrahima Konaté, and Miloš Kerkez
Marc Guehi: Crystal Palace’s Rock at the Back
The eagle-eyed readers among you will have noticed Marc Guehi’s resurgence at Crystal Palace. The young centre-back, once regarded as Chelsea’s future, is proving his worth at Selhurst Park. Against Bournemouth, with Palace reduced to ten men, Guehi was a towering presence, anchoring the defence with poise and power. His 88.2% pass accuracy and 9 clearances demonstrated his commanding performance (WhoScored).
Did you know? Guehi was named in the EFL Championship Team of the Season in 2020-21, highlighting his potential for premiership stardom.
William Saliba: Arsenal’s Swiss Army Knife
Just when Gunners fans thought they had seen enough of William Saliba to last a lifetime, the Frenchman returns, stronger and more assured than ever. Arsenal’s 4-0 drubbing of Ipswich was a testament to Arsenal’s attacking prowess, but it was Saliba who caught the eye. Dominant in the air, with a reading of the game that belies his 21 years, Saliba is fast becoming a fans’ favourite at the Emirates.
Pro Tip: Saliba’s duels won percentage (80% against Ipswich) is aClear sign of his growing maturity at the centre-back position.
Ibrahima Konaté: Liverpool’s Next GreatCentre-Back?
Liverpool’s unpredictable start to the season has been a reality check for their title ambitions, but Ibrahima Konaté has been a rare source of consistency. Against a stubborn Leicester side, Konaté displayed his physical prowess and tactical nous, completing more tackles (5) than any of his Liverpool teammates. His partnership with Virgil van Dijk, once Ronald Koeman’s Dutch dream, is blossoming into something special.
Reader Question: Can Liverpool’s new defensive partnership be as successful as van Dijk’s last one?
Miloš Kerkez: Bournemouth’s Unsuspecting Wing-Back
While all eyes were on Connor Gallagher’s goal-scoring exploits against Bournemouth, Miloš Kerkez was providing the ammunition. The Serbian teenager was Bournemouth’s most dangerous player, carving open the Palace defence with his intent and energy. His 4 key passes and 7 crosses highlighted his impact (WhoScored).
Did you know? Kerkez is the youngest player to reach 20 Premier League appearances for Bournemouth, a testament to his rapid development.
FAQ
Q: Who is the most likely of these players to challenge for a starting spot in their national team?
A: William Saliba, with his impressive performances for Arsenal, is likely to challenge for a spot in the French national team in the near future.
Q: Which of these players has the highest potential transfer value?
A: Ibrahima Konaté, with his performances for Liverpool, is currently valued at €60 million by Transfermarkt, the highest among these players.
Stay Tuned: The Future is Bright
With these young stars showing their mettle, the future of English football’s centre-backs is in safe hands. As they continue to grow and adapt, we can expect to see more commanding performances and potential transfer sagas unfold. The Premier League’s attacking talents may grab the headlines, but it’s the defensive talents like Guehi, Saliba, Konaté, and Kerkez that will build the platform for success.
Call to Action:
What do you think about these rising stars? Can they fill the void left by legendary centre-backs? Let us know in the comments below. And while you’re here, why not explore more of our in-depth analysis on 247Sports.New?