Chelsea legend Frank Lampard has stirred controversy with comments about Arsenal duo William Saliba and Gabriel.
Frank Lampard has refused to buy into the growing hype surrounding Arsenal's defensive duo, William Saliba and Gabriel, insisting they must win major trophies before being mentioned alongside his former Chelsea teammates, John Terry and Ricardo Carvalho.
Under Mikel Arteta, Arsenal have become legitimate title contenders and a large reason for that success is the defensive partnership between Gabriel and Saliba.
The pair's impressive performances have drawn comparisons to some of the greatest center-back duos in Premier League history, including Terry and Carvalho.
However, Lampard, who played alongside both defenders at Chelsea, is hesitant to make such comparisons.
13:12 - 02.10.2024
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Lampard on Saliba and Gabriel
"No. Not yet," Lampard said. "I mean, if they go and win two or three Premier Leagues and a Champions League, then maybe you can compare them."
Lampard clarified that his skepticism isn't a criticism of Saliba and Gabriel's abilities.
"I'm not putting them down. They are fantastic. They're young. They're growing all the time.
"It's not fair to make that comparison because this is all ahead of them now, but at this point, no. What they're doing at the minute is great things, but yeah, win some stuff, boys, and then you can get in that conversation."