William Saliba started in the heart of the defence as France beat Italy 3-1 in a Nations League fixture on Sunday.
The Arsenal centre-back has now established himself as a key player for his country, having long been an integral figure at the Emirates Stadium.
The 23-year-old is a rock at the back for Mikel Arteta’s side, and beloved in North London. However, it took him a while to make an impression on the international stage. France boss Didier Deschamps has been critical of William Saliba in the past, but the defender has now earned his trust.
Saliba played all 90 minutes of this convincing victory over the Italians.
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French media give verdict on William Saliba vs Italy
Whilst Saliba has clearly earned Deschamps trust, the French media were divided in their view of the performance that the Arsenal star just produced at the San Siro.
Dicodusport gave Saliba a 5.5 rating for his display in Milan, and said: “He is far from being imperial in his positioning, leaving Lucas Digne in 1 against 2 on the Italian goal (35th). He put out a few fires at the end of the match, whether with his head or in a direct duel, with an Italian player.”
Eurosport rated the player’s efforts a 6/10, stating: “He too, in another style, reigned supreme at San Siro. His best asset remains his incredible serenity when restarting or recovering. When he has to put his foot down, he doesn’t hesitate, as with his double intervention with the tip of his foot in one of the Italians’ strong moments.”
Meanwhile, Maxifoot were more generous, grading Saliba at 6.5: “Preferred to Upamecano, the central defender of the French team formed a solid hinge with Konaté. Just like his partner in central defense, the Arsenal rock was impeccable in his interventions to cut Retegui off the ball.
“As usual, the former Marseille player was accurate in his restarts. However, he was late on Kean’s final opportunity.”
Foot Mercato were the most effusive in their praise of the Arsenal star, awarding him 7/10 and adding: “He needed to get his head straight after his last less successful performances in the national team, and he did it, to the detriment of a Retegui who was never able to exist against him.
“He delivered a duel at all times with the Atalanta striker, was intense, attentive in depth. Even if the Blues conceded a goal tonight, he allowed his team to become a very difficult block to move again.”
Will Saliba leave Arsenal?
With Saliba now a fixture in the French team, with 26 caps to his name, he will be in the limelight more than ever.
He is undoubtedly one of the most exciting defensive talents in world football, and has been imperious in the Premier League in recent seasons.
Given his relative youth, Saliba’s consistency, composure, and the maturity of his play is all the more remarkable. Arteta will be well aware that he has a very special talent on his hands.
Real Madrid have been credited with an interest in Saliba, which is not surprising given the scale of his ability and potential. The Gunners will be keen to hold off any advances from the Spanish giants for as long as possible, though.
The best thing Arsenal can do to keep Saliba at the club is be successful and win silverware. The player will only remain at the Emirates Stadium whilst he believes that his ambitions can come to fruition there.
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