Former England international Rio Ferdinand has picked Arsenal defender William Saliba ahead of Manchester United’s Lisandro Martinez.

Ferdinand believes Saliba, 22, can become one of the world’s best defenders.

Saliba has now established himself as a key player at the heart of Arsenal’s defense. He joined Mikel Arteta’s side from Saint-Etienne for £27 million in 2019.

Martinez, meanwhile, came under fire after his £56.7 million move from Ajax last year.

When asked who he would pick between Saliba and Martinez, Ferdinand told talkSPORT: “I will go for Saliba.

“I think Saliba could potentially be top, top, top.

“I think Martinez answered a lot of critics last year, a lot of doubters about his size and stuff like that. He was fantastic on the ball.

“But like this one [comparison], I also think also you are helped by the team you play in. He’s on a very solid, consistent team, Saliba. Martinez isn’t.”