It’s morning everyone.
It looks like this: William Saliba played well for France in a 0-0 draw with Canada. Whether a 0-0 draw with Canada was a good result for France is another question, but I certainly don’t think a 1-0 loss to Iceland was. Another question is whether such performances in such games will be enough to change Didier Deschamps’ mind.
He seems to have doubts about Saliba. Earlier this year he said this about it:
He’s having a good season, but he’s also doing some things I don’t really like. France have limited game time, but when they do play, it doesn’t necessarily go well. The hierarchy doesn’t favor him at the moment, but he’s here.
what is that? ‘Tell me you didn’t watch William Saliba without saying you didn’t watch William Saliba’? Obviously every coach has their preferences, but if you go into an international tournament and choose someone over the best central defender in the Premier League, you’re doing it wrong in my opinion.
Some would prefer Saliba not to play for France, but I would rather he gets playing time. Since he’s training outside, I don’t think he’ll be able to work properly on the holidays anyway. Plus, I think it could benefit him too. He is still only 23 years old and can only improve on what he achieved at that age, and playing at the highest level in major tournaments will help him. So if he can force himself past Deschamps’ mental barrier, I think he will stay in the team because that’s all that matters, and if he does, people will ask why it took so long.
there were a few Interesting quotes from last week Saliba talks about Mikel Arteta and how he helped develop him into the player he is today.
“He took me to another level. He is one of the best coaches in the world. Sometimes he thought I was a little soft on my training and asked me to be more grumpy. In fact, he wants it. [opposition] “I think the players will be scared when they see me,” he said.
Again, it’s not really normal to be as good as a central defender at that age. There is a reason why young players tend to advance further when they make breakthroughs for teams challenging for titles and such. If he is in the heart of the defense he can make mistakes without being punished as much. One of the impressive things about Saliba to me is that his game is virtually perfect at an age when defenders are typically learning their trade.
Sure, he makes the odd mistake here and there, but his reading of the game, his composure, his decision-making, etc. are top-notch, and that’s what players in their early 20s ultimately get there by learning from those mistakes. level. He’s already there, and the idea that there’s more to come is very exciting.
Meanwhile, reports have emerged that Arsenal will accept a fee of around £10m for Kieran Tierney this summer. Much of this is speculation, but I think if it’s being offered to a player whose injury record is a gamble for a promising club, they should take it. He missed three injuries while on loan at Real Sociedad last season. his injury history If you are looking for a left-back, this will give you some time to think.
He’s a good player and could certainly do the job for a lot of Premier League teams, but the cycle of injury + recovery and how that affects the level at which you can perform is going to have to be part of your thinking. It will be very interesting to see where the suggestions come from. He’s under contract until 2026, so I wouldn’t be at all surprised if his situation jumps out the window and ends up with another loan somewhere. We’ll see.
Yeah, let’s leave it there. This morning I’m recording an Arsecast Extra. Keep an eye out for questions on Twitter @gunnerblog and @arseblog Twitter with hashtag #arsecastextra – or you Arseblog Member on PatreonPlease leave a question #arsecast – Additional questions This is a channel on our Discord server.
The podcast will be out around noon. until then.
