Arsenal defender William Saliba played the full 90 minutes and helped France beat Ukraine in their World Cup qualifier.
Les Bleus were held to a 2-2 draw by Iceland in their last international game, but they made no mistake against Serhiy Rebrov’s side on Thursday night.
Saliba was once again preferred over Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate, and the Arsenal man had a solid game at the back alongside Dayot Upamecano.
Despite that, one media outlet in France has had something unusual to say about him.
France’s media deliver verdict on Arsenal star William Saliba’s performance vs Ukraine
William Saliba has become a mainstay in France’s defence.
The Arsenal star is one of the best centre-backs on the planet, and he has consistently been brilliant for club and country over the years.
Against Ukraine on Thursday night, Saliba mostly had a quiet game, but he stepped up when he was called upon in the second half.
However, in what is a really strange verdict, So Foot in France described him in their player ratings by saying: “That guy in PE who can’t run, but still runs faster than everyone else.”
That is unusual, but other outlets in France have been a lot more straightforward with their reviews.
Foot Mercato said: “Preferred to Konate to start this crucial match in the race for qualification, the Arsenal defensive stalwart enjoyed a very quiet evening. Never troubled and solid in the air, he consistently got ahead of his opponent. Reassuring, he also shone with some valuable defensive recoveries.”
Sud Ouest added: “A completely controlled performance from the Arsenal player, who was never troubled in duels or when making runs in behind the defence. He made a crucial intervention on one of Ukraine’s rare forays forward (74th minute). He kept things simple in possession.”
William Saliba’s stats vs Ukraine are impressive
Gabriel Magalhaes has been Arsenal’s best defender this season, but that doesn’t mean Saliba has been bad.
The Frenchman has mostly been excellent as well, not just for the Gunners but for the French national team as well.
Against Ukraine, Saliba had 75 touches of the ball and completed 62 of his 67 attempted passes, thus maintaining an impressive 92 per cent passing accuracy.
The former Saint-Etienne man also made six clearances, eight recoveries and an interception, and he also won all but one of his aerial duels. (Sofascore)
It was a fairly easy game for Saliba on Thursday night, but he should still be very happy with his display.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
