Darren Bent Names Two Best Centre Backs in the Premier League This Season, Omits Several Standout Performers

• Former Premier League striker Darren Bent has made his pick for the two best centre-backs in the Premier League so far
• The ex-England international was torn between several central defenders who've displayed exceptional performances
• The likes of William Saliba, Sven Botman, Lisandro Martinez and Thiago Silva have been stand-out performers this season

Arsenal fan and former Tottenham Hotspur striker Darren Bent has picked his best centre-backs in the Premier League, 13 games in.

The likes of John Stones, William Saliba, Lisandro Martinez, Sven Botman and Thiago Silva have impressed this season. However, Bent feels two from that group stand out.

Martinez has shown what he is capable of despite a baptism of fire at the start of the season, while Newcastle United newcomer Botman has made a great start to life at St James Park. The Dutchman is yet to lose a match with Newcastle, according to the Shields Gazette.

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Despite being 38, Silva still moves like he's ten years younger. He's marshalled the Chelsea defence and still looks strong and sharp.

Bent picks Saliba and Botman

38-year-old Bent scored 106 Premier League goals for six clubs and has come across some of the best central defenders in the world. The former England defender has picked Arsenal's Saliba and Botman as the best this season.

"William Saliba would be one. I think he's been brilliant and you've seen it, how good he's been for Arsenal this season. I'm going Sven Botman. I think he's been brilliant, he's only 22 as well. Newcastle chased him for a while. His performances have been outstanding so I've gone for Sven Botman and William Saliba," he said according to the Mirror.

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Saliba's stature has risen meteorically after some concerns the Frenchman wasn't going to make it at the Emirates Stadium. The 21-year-old is expected to be named in France's World Cup squad as Raphael Varane's replacement, according to Forbes.

Mikel Arteta's advice to Saliba

Sports Brief earlier reported on Mikel Arteta urging Saliba to focus on his game and ignore comparisons with Liverpool star Virgil Van Dijk.

Saliba has been a major factor in the Gunners' brilliant start to the season, after finally establishing himself as a first-team regular.

"I am really happy with where he is at the moment. He is Saliba; he's no-one else and he needs to make his own career," said Arteta.