Arsenal told £190k-a-week star was ‘born to be on the Champions League stage’

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Journalist James McNicholas has heaped praise on Arsenal defender William Saliba.

William Saliba was once again in imperious form as Arsenal cruised to a 2-0 win over Sevilla on Wednesday night. 

Although the Spanish side did little to trouble the Gunners defensively, the French centre-back was required to make one crucial intervention in the first half. Saliba produced a magnificent sliding tackle to prevent the Sevilla attacker from going clean through on goal.

Saliba was recently criticised by iconic former France international Marcel Desailly. However, the £190,000-a-week ace is held in the highest esteem by Arsenal fans and is an integral figure in Mikel Arteta’s side. 

He is now showing that he has what it takes to shine at the highest level of club football.

Speaking after the Champions League triumph over Sevilla on his On The Whistle video, Arsenal-supporting reporter James McNicholas said, “Arsenal, defensively, are just a very, very good team right now…and how important to that is William Saliba? I mean, have you ever seen a player who looks more comfortable, more born to be on the Champions League stage, than him? I thought he was excellent.”

William Saliba must be handled with care

Just as he did in the Premier League at the start of last season, Saliba has rapidly adapted to playing for Arsenal in this continental club competition. His natural authority and composure seems to allow him to rise to any occasion.

It is vital that Saliba is able to stay fit this season. Last season, losing the 10-cap France international to injury towards the end of the campaign sparked the downfall of the Gunners’ Premier League title push. Arsenal would struggle to cope if Saliba were to be sidelined for a significant period again this time around.

Given how many matches Arsenal will have to play this season, Arteta will have to rotate his squad smartly to keep his key players fit and fresh. This will mean that the likes of Jakub Kiwior and Takehiro Tomiyasu may have to stand in for Saliba at times to ensure that he gets the rests he needs.