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William Saliba: Arsenal star told how to secure starting place at France

William Saliba
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Saliba’s brilliant form in the Premier League hasn’t been enough to earn him a place in Didier Deschamps’ lineup.

Former Arsenal and France defender William Gallas has hailed William Saliba for his fantastic form.

Since returning from his loan move at Marseille, Saliba has developed into one of the Premier League’s best centre-backs at Arsenal. 

Mikel Arteta has started the 22-year-old in all of his side’s Premier League matches so far this season. But the situation at the French national team has been different as Saliba has struggled to move ahead of the likes of Dayot Upamecano and Ibrahima Konate in the pecking order.

“William Saliba can be one of the best defenders in the world,” Gallas told Genting Casino. “The problem he has in the France team is that other players have played under Deschamps for longer. 

“Players like Ibrahima Konate and Dayot Upamecano, they were there before him, so William Saliba needs to be patient and when he gets an opportunity to start for France, he has to take it.”

He added: “The debate about who will play for France will disappear because Saliba can establish himself as France’s best defender. He can be the first-choice centre-back of Didier Deschamps.”

Following France’s match against Greece on Tuesday, Saliba will reunite with his Arsenal teammates ahead of their upcoming Premier League game against Brentford.

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