Frank Lampard calls out two Arsenal stars after over-the-top comparison

Frank Lampard has told Arsenal centre half duo William Saliba and Gabriel that they need to win trophies before being considered a top-tier partnership.

The Gunners duo have earned rave reviews for their performances under Mikel Arteta and comparisons with some of the best defensive teams in living memory.

But former Chelsea star Lampard thinks it is too early for such talk without any silverware to back them up. The ex-midfielder spent years in front of John Terry and Ricardo Carvalho.

And asked if Saliba and Gabriel are comparable to his former teammates, Lampard told Amazon Prime during Arsenal ’s 2-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain: “No, not yet.

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“If they go and win two or three Premier Leagues and a Champions League then maybe you can compare them.

“Listen, I’m not putting them down. They are fantastic, young and they’re growing all the time. It’s not fair to make that comparison because this is all ahead of them.

“But at this point, no. But what they’re doing at the minute is great things. But yeah, win some stuff, boys, and you can get in that conversation fully.”

Lampard, meanwhile, said he was pleased to see Kai Havertz shining for Arsenal.

Having brought the Germany international to Chelsea, only for continuous questions to be asked over his best position, Lampard said he felt a sense of vindication to see Havertz earning widespread praise for his performances.

“I brought him to Chelsea a good few years ago now, he was a young player,” Lampard said . “I think when he came to Chelsea it wasn't quite clear. He was a very talented player, his position wasn't quite clear.

“He'd been a No8, more of a midfield player, he'd been a No.9 and we never got to the end of his story at Chelsea. What was his best position?

"The faith that Mikel Arteta has shown in him in bringing him to the club and the faith that he's stuck with him... because I've got some Arsenal friends and when he first signed there were some question marks, like ‘what is he like?’

“I said ‘no trust me he's a talented boy, he will grow into the Premier League ’ and I think he's done that. He's a really relaxed lad, very easy going but I think there is a little streak beneath that where he wants to do well. He will be frustrated because he is just a boy who wants to do well.”

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