Marcel Desailly slams William Saliba as Arsenal 'average' verdict made

Chelsea hero Marcel Desailly has delivered a damning verdict of Arsenal defender William Saliba. The French international has established himself as one of Europe's most talented young defenders over the last few years, showcasing a rare blend of tactical intelligence, defensive reading of the game and the ability to progress the ball between the lines.

The 22-year-old was hugely impressive for the Gunners last season, earning a spot in the PFA Team of the Year for his consistent displays. However, France icon Desailly isn't yet convinced by the former Marseille loanee.

When speaking about Les Blues' central defenders, he told GFFN: «Then there is the one at Arsenal too (Saliba) – he hasn’t yet had the game time to adapt to that necessary association. I don’t believe his individual qualities to be above average.

»He’s at a very, very high level but not extraordinary. So before absorbing the international level, he needs to acclimatise to those associations.

«As things stand I don’t know how to associate him with (Ibrahima) Konate or with (Dayot) Upamecano so that he can excel and develop all the talent that he has in him.” Desailly's harsh comments certainly come as a surprise considering how good Saliba has been since making his Arsenal debut a little over a year ago.

Arsenal news and transfers LIVE — First January signing, Ramsdale battle, AC Milan Patino links

Arsenal can avoid naming Benjamin Sesko in Premier League squad if £40m transfer is completed

The talented youngster helped Mikel Arteta's side climb to the top of the Premier League standings before picking up an injury back in March, one that ruled him out of the remainder of the 2022/23 campaign. Without Saliba, the Gunners looked considerably worse at the