William Saliba: Arsenal defender says starting World Cup for France would be a dream | Football news
William Saliba says starting at the World Cup for France is a dream for him as he continues his fine form for Premier League leaders Arsenal.
Three years after a £25m move from St Etienne, the centre-back has finally been included in the Gunners’ first team, starting all seven of Arsenal’s Premier League games so far this season and scoring twice. – most recently in their 3-0 win over Brentford a great sunday.
Saliba has been called up to the France squad for Nations League matches against Austria and Denmark this month, has been limited to five times by Didier Deschamps – and the 21-year-old is aiming for a starting spot when the World Cup kicks off. painting. November.
“When you represent your country, it’s amazing,” said Saliba exclusively Sky Sports Super Sunday match last week.
“My dream is to play in the World Cup with my country and I hope to be on the World Cup team.”
Saliba has been backed by Brentford manager Thomas Frank to become the starting defender for France, after seeing him score against his side at the weekend.
“I have to say Saliba, ooft! He’s going to be a full international for France, I’m sure,” Frank said in his post-match press conference. “He’ll be in the starting lineup for that national team soon and it’s a strong national team.”
Saliba’s competition at centre-back for France includes Manchester United defender Raphael Varane, Barcelona’s Jules Kounde, Bayern Munich’s Dayot Upamecano and Monaco’s Benoit Badiashile.
The likes of Clement Lenglet, Kurt Zouma, Presnel Kimpembe and Ibrahima Konate have also been called up by Les Bleus in recent months.
Analysis: ‘Colossus’ Saliba represents Arsenal’s transformation
Sky Sports’ Nick Wright:
William Saliba was hundreds of miles away, literally, and, perhaps, figuratively, when Arsenal suffered a disastrous 0-2 loss to Brentford last season. But he is here now. You can’t really miss him at Gtech Community Stadium on Sunday.
The Frenchman, who featured the entire previous season on loan with Marseille, is believed to have produced his best performance yet has yet to help Arsenal to a 3-0 win, it highlights. their changes throughout the year.
His second goal of the campaign came after a superb finish against Bournemouth, showing his threat in the air from set-pieces, a high header from Bukayo Saka’s corner kicking the ball away. narrowly deviated from the vertical column.
But it was everything else he did – the “ugly” stuff, as Mikel Arteta later described it – that made his performance really stand out. Ivan Toney shocked Arsenal in this game last year. This time, he was dominated by Saliba from the start.
The 21-year-old is a giant, winning duels, eliminating danger and ensuring a team that scored five goals in their last home game can this time only muster two shots on target.
Even Brentford manager Thomas Frank was impressed when he used his post-match press conference to praise the midfielder’s performance. “He’s going to play in the starting lineup for France and it’s a strong international team,” he said.
Saliba enjoys his physical battle with Toney and he is equally impressive, providing composure in the face of Brentford’s tutelage, sometimes overcoming challenges deep in his half first. when bringing Arsenal forward in attack.
His presence is not the only reason Arsenal have transformed. The impact of Gabriel Jesus is similarly significant and Fabio Vieira, another summer signing, provided a glimpse of his class on Sunday. But it is Saliba, Arsenal’s new giant, who shows the extent of progress most clearly.