William Saliba played the entire 90 minutes and assisted in maintaining a clean sheet in France’s inaugural victory at Euro 2024.

Certainly, there are still a few uncertain moments that Saliba will need to improve in the upcoming matches, as the role is distinct from the one he was allocated when playing for Arsenal under coach Didier Deschamps.

Having to take on a relatively new role as a left-sided centre-back, William Saliba is still confident in showing his best values ​​alongside Dayot Upamecano in the French defense.

• 94% passing accuracy rate

• 75 touchdowns

• 1/1 successful dribble

• 3/4 of long passes were accurate

• 7 ball recoveries

• 2/2 successful duels

• 1/2 aerial combat phases are successful

• Was passed over 0 times.

Your level of confidence will increase as you engage in more games. Saliba’s performance today was not of the same calibre as his typical level; however, he will undoubtedly be able to enhance his skills further as he becomes more accustomed to this role.

William Saliba, persist in your efforts.

Austria’s opportunity was facilitated by an inaccurate heading, among other minor imperfections. However, in actuality, a significant portion of the explanation is attributed to Saliba’s position as a left center-back, which is distinct from the more accustomed right position at Arsenal.

Saliba is right-footed, so when Austria advanced to attack, there were a few situations that needed to be handled quickly, but being forced on his left foot made us feel like Saliba was struggling and making a not-so-smooth decision to pass the ball.

Making his debut in a big arena, playing alongside a teammate who hasn’t had much real time fighting together, what Saliba has shown is already good. I’m confident that with the upcoming opportunity Deschamps is willing to give, Saliba will get used to it.