Arsenal’s William Saliba Stuns in Rare International Start
William Saliba, Arsenal’s promising defender, was given a rare opportunity to impress France manager Didier Deschamps in a match against Canada on Sunday. As Euro 2024 approaches, Saliba’s chances of starting for his national team remain slim, despite his stellar season in North London.
France’s likely defensive pairing for the tournament includes Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate and Bayern Munich’s Dayot Upamecano, both of whom would not start ahead of Saliba at the club level. Nevertheless, Deschamps’ decision appears resolute.
In a bid to change this, Saliba started alongside Upamecano against Canada, showcasing his talents in a game that ended in a 0-0 draw. Despite the frustrating result for France, Saliba’s performance was widely praised, with many considering him the standout player of the match.
A Stellar Performance Recognized
Saliba played all 90 minutes, contributing significantly to maintaining a clean sheet. His exceptional defensive work caught the attention of French media. Franceinfo lauded his performance, noting his ‘excellent’ defensive interventions that spared France from potential disappointment just days before Euro 2024. They highlighted a crucial tackle in the 66th minute against Jonathan David and another against Jonathan Osorio in the 79th minute, showcasing Saliba’s class.
Maxifoot echoed this sentiment, awarding Saliba the highest rating among France’s players with a 7/10. They emphasized his solidity and ability to neutralize Canada’s offensive threats, proving he deserves consideration for a starting position.
So Foot succinctly praised him, stating, “You’re every bit the player you think you are, Wilo,” underscoring Saliba’s confidence and skill on the field.
A Puzzling Exclusion
Despite his impressive performance, it remains puzzling why Saliba isn’t a guaranteed starter for France, a decision that appears to be influenced solely by Deschamps’ preference. His exclusion continues to baffle fans and pundits alike, especially after such a commanding display.
Nevertheless, Saliba’s performance against Canada reinforces his value and potential, making a strong case for his inclusion in the starting lineup for future matches. As the Euro 2024 approaches, Saliba’s display serves as a reminder of his capabilities and the depth of talent within the Arsenal squad.