Bukayo Saka tips William Saliba for big future ahead of World Cup clash

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Bukayo Saka has tipped William Saliba for a big future ahead of the Arsenal duo meeting one another in the 2022 FIFA World Cup quarter-final headliner between England and France.

Speaking to the press ahead of the mammoth clash, the Arsenal winger was asked about his centre-back teammate ahead of the World Cup fixture, with Saka praising the France international following a breakout season with the north London side this season.

Saliba has started every single Premier League match for Arsenal this season as Mikel Arteta’s side sit top of the table heading into the return of top-flight English football on Boxing Day, with Saka also being a mainstay in the starting XI.

Whilst the defender has been a titan for Arsenal this season, Saliba is yet to start a World Cup game for France despite heading to Qatar as arguably Les Bleus’ most in-form centre-back, with Didier Deschamps favouring Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate to partner Raphael Varane.

Arsenal fans won’t be complaining, though, as it means that Saliba will return to north London this month as fresh as possible. And for Saka, the England regular has tipped his Gunners teammate for a massive future ahead of the Three Lions’ clash with France.

Saka said: “I can’t talk highly enough of William. He’s unbelievable. He’s got an amazing future. I’m looking forward to seeing how much he keeps developing and I wish him all the best. He’s such a good guy as well. I haven’t received any texts from him and I’m not sure I will either. Let’s see.”

Saka will be hoping Saliba doesn’t start for France against England

Saliba might not have started a World Cup game for France in Qatar, but there’s no denying that Saka knows he doesn’t want to face up against his Arsenal teammate given just how good the 21-year-old has been this season at club level.

The Hale End academy graduate is expected to start for England having scored in the round of 16 win against Senegal. And Saka’s job will be made a lot easier if Saliba is once again absent from the starting XI, with Varana or Konate much more appealing opponents for the Arsenal attacker.