The French media have reacted to William Saliba’s return from injury against Northern Ireland, as the Arsenal defender impressed.
Saliba had been struggling with a back issue ahead of the World Cup, which he suffered ahead of the Champions League final.
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However, Saliba has recovered from the injury and is now set to play a key role for France at the World Cup in defence.
Following his return to action against Northern Ireland, the local media have assessed how the Arsenal star fared on a successful night for Les Bleus.
French media impressed by William Saliba’s return
The French media were left very impressed by William Saliba’s return from injury on Monday evening as he played in the win over Northern Ireland.
Didier Deschamps’ team won their final friendly match 3-1, with Michael Olise netting an impressive hat-trick in Lille.
But most importantly, Saliba was back in action for France and managed to complete 45 minutes in the heart of their defence.
The Arsenal defender seamlessly slotted back into the defence, and the French media have been full of praise for his display.
- L’Equipe rated him 6/10: “After concerns stemming from his back pain, he played for the first time since the Champions League final defeat with Arsenal, and Northern Ireland’s attackers are not the same as PSG’s.
“Replaced by Lacroix, which shows that he is increasingly taking up space and that Ibrahima Konate might be worried about his status as third-choice centre-back. Calm and untroubled.” - There was another 6/10 from Foot Mercato: “Positioned on the left side of the defence, he reassured everyone about his fitness, a question mark at the start of the French national team’s training camp.
“He was alert and was able to capitalise on the few dangerous situations in his area. Replaced by Lacroix at halftime, a decision made beforehand.
“A fairly decent, solid performance, consistent with his previous appearances. He even had a chance to score, but shot over the bar.”
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The 24-year-old will be so relieved to be back just in time for the World Cup and get the chance to showcase his immense talent at the tournament.
France desperately need Saliba with Ibrahima Konate and Dayot Upamecano unable to replicate the Arsenal defender’s consistency.
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