Fans of Arsenal have always recognised William Saliba’s potential for France. Didier Deschamps needed some time.

The circumspect French manager said in March that although he was having a terrific season, there were elements about him that he did not like. Deschamps, nevertheless, never gave up on the Arsenal player.
Saliba was selected for France’s 2022 World Cup team, making his debut in a nondescript group match. After an impressive second season at Arsenal, his participation in the 26-man Euro 2024 roster was inevitable. Saliba’s quest for starts is made more challenging by Les Bleus’ abundance of excellent centre backs; nonetheless, Saliba’s chances were enhanced by Raphael Varane’s retirement and Ibrahima Konate’s decline in performance towards the end of the 2023–2024 season.

Prior to France’s first game against Austria, it was decided that Dayot Upamecano and the 23-year-old would start together. After keeping three clean sheets, the two-time European champions are currently prepared for a quarterfinal in the 2024 competition.

Saliba has clearly excelled, justifying Deschamps’ belated faith, and he saved his best performance of the competition for the beginning of France’s knockout stage campaign, which is often when Deschamps’ team picks things up.

News on X from Arteta’s Red Army #ArsenalFanatics: “William Saliba vs. Belgium: 90 minutes were elapsed. 77 contacts four exonerations two detours 66 passes, 1 tackle, 97% accuracy 3 long balls with perfect success three groundImage

Romelu Lukaku might not be the same composed beast who terrified Italian defences while playing for Inter under Antonio Conte. The Belgian striker was looking pretty mean in that picture. Lukaku has regressed to a slightly more beefier and static forward since leaving Conte, but his power is still unquestionable. Few forwards are more adept at pinning and rolling a centre back than him, and he is still a threat.

Saliba did not bite.

Following France’s victory over Belgium, William Saliba’s remarks regarding Arsenal are unanimous.

The young Arsenal defence may have found this game terrifying, but Saliba has welcomed the significant occasions in his early career. The 23-year-old recorded three of his best games at the Etihad, Old Trafford, and Anfield last season. It doesn’t matter to him who or where he is facing. He merely acts.

France’s encounter against Belgium in the round of 16 was extremely boring as the Belgians tried to outplay the French. A pivotal moment was unavoidable when the contest’s dynamics emerged in the opening stages, and Saliba had a part in dealing France’s crushing blow.

Midway through the second half, Lukaku started to creep across to Upamecano in an attempt to enter the game, as Saliba made no adjustments. But with only six minutes left, the two were fighting on the French box’s edge. Once again, Saliba was physical equivalent to Lukaku, able to thwart a roll and pull the ball away from behind. The French were able to advance thanks to a deflected shot by Randal Kolo Muani as Deschamps’ squad stormed forward.
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Although Saliba’s submission of Lukaku was astounding, the 23-year-old’s efforts in Dusseldorf are not out of the ordinary.

Though his performance was not perfect, the Arsenal player gave a masterclass in touch-tight defending and winning duel-winning. It’s possible that there were certain things Deschamps “did not like so much.” Midway through the second half, Lois Openda pick-pocketed Saliba in possession; if it weren’t for Theo Hernandez’s outstanding recovery challenge, the stories surrounding his play may have been entirely different. 

That accident, though, won’t be recalled for very long. Saliba’s Euro 2024 campaign, on the other hand, seems to be the start of a fruitful international career. He might already be the best in the world.