Didier Deschamps explains why he overlooks William Saliba despite amazing Arsenal form

Didier Deschamps has offered a critical explanation as to why William Saliba is not a regular for his France team, revealing the centre-back 'does things I don't like'.

Saliba has struggled to break into the France starting lineup, despite being a star player in Arsenal's title-chasing squad over the past two seasons.

The 23-year-old has made 12 appearances for France since his debut in 2022, but only six of those games have been starts. It seems unlikely that he will earn a spot in the Euro 2024 team, with Deschamps yet to be convinced on his skill.

«He is having a good season, but he also does things that I don't like so much,» Deschamps said. «For France, he has limited game time, but when he plays, that hasn't necessarily gone well.

»The hierarchy doesn't favour him at the moment, but he is here. Dayot Upamecano has game time and perhaps William has had less. With certain players, I make sure to persevere, because it can be confidence or little blockages that can shift.

«Some don't have any concerns, some need game time. William has had less game time, so that doesn't allow him to be very calm.»

Saliba was an unused sub in France's 2-0 defeat at the hands of Germany on Saturday. He is running out of time to prove his worth in the national setup ahead of Euro 2024, but will hope to take to the pitch when France play Chile on Tuesday.

Saliba has had a strong season for Arsenal, forming a successful centre-back partnership with Gabriel Magalhaes to push their title-chasing performances forward.

His injuries proved costly to Arsenal last year, and now it seems Saliba's skill will be vital if they are to challenge for trophies.

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