International manager now slams ‘world-class’ Arsenal player in baffling claim

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William Saliba has been earning plaudits for his excellent performances at Arsenal, but France manager Didier Deschamps has now criticised the defender.

Saliba was part of the France squad which reached the World Cup final last year, but was a backup pick behind Raphael Varane, Dayot Upamecano and Ibrahima Konate.

The 22-year-old has been in sensational form for Arsenal since the start of last season, and is arguably one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League.

Despite this, Deschamps has now claimed that he is unhappy with the defender’s commitment, hinting that Saliba puts more effort in for Arsenal than he does for France.

Didier Deschamps slams William Saliba

Speaking to RMC Sport, Deschamps, who has called Saliba up for the latest round of fixtures against Gibraltar and Greece, claimed that the defender views his selection with France differently because he is not a first-choice pick like he is at Arsenal.

“He didn’t have a lot of playing time with us. He performs very well in a club. In the selection he didn’t always find himself in the best conditions on matches where I made a lot of time,” Deschamps claimed.

“He is not in the same psychological situation in a club, where he does not ask himself whether he will play on the weekend.

“When he has time to play with us, he says he has to be effective because there are people behind it.

“He is not in a psychological situation that is the same with his club. He has everything it takes to take a higher stage.”

Saliba should be starting for France

Saliba has arguably been the best defender in the defence which has conceded the least xG against in the Premier League this season.

He has been described as “world-class” by Fabrizio Romano, and despite already performing at a high-level last season, he is continuing to improve.

Varane and Konate have both been in and out of their respective sides this season, and Saliba has been a key part of a side with a more solid defence than both Manchester United and Liverpool.

Mikel Arteta may be happy that Saliba may not play for France during these international breaks, but the defender will be aiming to prove to Deschamps why he should be one of the first names on the teamsheet for France.