France Boss Criticizes Saliba’s Lack of Composure
William Saliba, the talented Arsenal defender, has come under criticism from France boss Didier Deschamps for his performances in a France shirt. Deschamps has advised Saliba to remain calm if he wants to secure a starting spot for the Euros. Despite Saliba’s impressive performances for Arsenal, Deschamps remains unconvinced of his abilities on the international stage.
Saliba, 23, has established himself as one of the most promising defenders in Europe since joining Arsenal in 2022. He was named in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year last season and formed a strong partnership with Gabriel at the heart of Arsenal’s defense. However, his displays for the national team have not been up to par according to Deschamps.
Deschamps first called up Saliba to the senior squad in March 2022 and he has since earned 12 caps for France, with six of those as a starter. However, Deschamps believes that Saliba’s lack of competition at Arsenal has had a negative impact on his development and mentality. In contrast, Saliba faces tough competition for a starting spot in the French national team, with players like Dayot Upamecano, Benjamin Pavard, Jules Kounde, and Ibrahima Konate vying for the same position.
Ahead of France’s friendly clash with Chile, Deschamps discussed Saliba’s situation, stating, “He is having a good season, but he also does things that I don’t like so much. For France, he has limited game time, but when he plays, that hasn’t necessarily gone well.” Deschamps admitted that Saliba is currently not favored in the team hierarchy but emphasized that he is still part of the squad.
Deschamps further explained that he persists with certain players because they may just need more game time to gain confidence or overcome any mental blocks. In Saliba’s case, Deschamps believes that the lack of game time at Arsenal has prevented him from being calm and composed on the field. However, Deschamps did not rule out the possibility of Saliba improving and earning a prominent role in the national team in the future.
Saliba has been impressive for Arsenal this season, making 28 Premier League appearances and contributing two goals. He has also played a crucial role in maintaining Arsenal’s solid defensive record, with the team conceding only 24 goals so far, the best in the division.
In conclusion, while William Saliba has made great strides at Arsenal, his performances for the French national team have fallen short of expectations. France boss Didier Deschamps has criticized Saliba’s lack of composure and advised him to remain calm if he wants to secure a starting spot for the Euros. Despite the criticism, Saliba has shown his potential at club level and will be looking to prove himself on the international stage in the future.