Last-chance saloon? William Saliba looking to stake claim for France spot
It’s not an understatement to say that William Saliba has become indispensable for Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal. The defender was crucial last season as The Gunners looked to end a 19-year-long wait for the league title, and his injury around this time last year can be pointed to as one of the key turning points that ended their dramatic charge.
Now as the 20 year anniversary approaches and Arsenal sit top of the table in a three-horse race between them, Liverpool, and Manchester City, the defender once again shoulders the hope and expectations of the club and fans alike. You’d worry that the pressure and demands would be too much for a young player (someone who only turned 23 just two days ago) but for Saliba, he looks as if he was born for this role.
A centre-back who blends his natural talent with an exceptional understanding of the game, making him a force both in and out of possession. And despite already being considered one of the best defenders in the world, there is a terrifying notion that he might not even be close to reaching the full depth of his potential.
This makes it all the more surprising that as the rest of the world falls for Saliba, Didier Deschamps remains cold and unmoved by the obvious talent at his disposal. Already it feels that as long as Deschamps is in the role as France manager, then Saliba will have an uphill struggle to find his place in the starting lineup.
Read on getfootballnewsfrance.com
