I have played against Top defenders like Sergio Ramos and Rudiger before but I must confess none can be compared to this guy,the way He recovers ball from players still amazes me”, Muhammad Salah named ONE Arsenal defender as the best He has ever faced in His career – Not Timber and Not Saliba WHAT A PLAYER WE HAVE GOT
In a moment that stunned reporters and sent Arsenal fans into a frenzy, Liverpool star Mohamed Salah delivered the ultimate compliment during a recent press conference, naming one Arsenal defender as the best he’s ever faced in his entire career – and it’s not who you’d expect.
“I’ve played against top defenders like Sergio Ramos and Antonio Rudiger before,” Salah said, “but I must confess—none can be compared to this guy. The way he recovers the ball from players still amazes me. I couldn’t believe how difficult it was to get past him.”
While many expected the Egyptian winger to mention William Saliba or Jurrien Timber, Salah had someone else in mind.
Takehiro Tomiyasu.
Yes, the Japanese defender – often underrated and quietly effective – has clearly made a massive impression on one of the Premier League’s most dangerous attackers. Salah praised Tomiyasu not just for his physical strength, but for his intelligence, positioning, and relentless reading of the game.
“He doesn’t dive in, he waits for the perfect moment, and when he tackles, it’s clean, it’s precise,” Salah added. “It’s rare to see defenders with that kind of discipline and awareness.”
Tomiyasu, who has been a vital part of Mikel Arteta’s rotation this season, covering both full-back roles and even stepping into central defense when needed, has proven his worth time and again. Now, with praise coming from one of the world’s elite forwards, Arsenal fans have every right to feel proud.
What a player we’ve got.
If he continues at this level, Tomiyasu won’t just be a key figure for Arsenal—he’ll be seen as one of the very best in Europe. And when someone like Mohamed Salah puts you above Ramos and Rudiger? That’s not just hype. That’s elite recognition.