VIDEO: LAFC star Denis Bouanga declares William Saliba the best defender in the world & snubs Harry Kane when naming top striker

In an exclusive interview with GOAL, Bouanga was asked to name the best player ever and the best player in the world right now in each of the four main roles on the pitch: striker, midfielder, defender and goalkeeper. The LAFC forward went for the Brazilian Ronaldo and Mbappe in the striker category, overlooking Bayern Munich and England striker Harry Kane. He then chose Zinedine Zidane as the best midfielder ever and split his vote between Kevin De Bruyne and Luka Modric for the best midfielder in the world right now slot.

Bouanga went on to name Paolo Maldini as the best defender ever, and picked Arsenal talisman Saliba as the best defender in the world right now without any hesitation. To complete his list in the goalkeeper category, the 30-year-old Gabon international opted for Dida and Manuel Neuer.

Saliba will be back in action for Arsenal when they face Manchester United in their blockbuster 2025-26 Premier League season opener on August 17. Bouanga, meanwhile, is gearing up for LAFC's next MLS outing against the New England Revolution the day before.