I’m conflicted because I want Saliba to play for his national team but at the same time I am quietly relieved. He is arguably our most important player and the less he plays the more it reduces the possibility of injury.
I’m sad for him because it must hurt. But he is still very young, he will get his opportunities.
“He hasn’t been on the pitch” -Deschamps, probably
Keep Saliba out of the team for at least 2 years
Deschamps aside, what I got from reading the article is Desailly doesn’t rate Saliba. What a clown. Saliba is the best defender the in the world atm.
With us competing for 3 trophies I don’t mind our wall getting a nice brake once in a while
Same dude who plays Giroud as a striker for a decade bruv…
Where else do you want to play Giroud? As keeper?
Stupid sexy girooo has proven himself between the sticks too
Giroud is their all time top scorer and has a better goals per game ratio for France than the King Henry or Ballon d’Or Benzema. He’s the greatest French number 9 of all time.
Giroud has been consistently great for France. Always makes the players around him better.
I haven’t watched him play for France but not having big Gabi beside him could be a reason why he isnt performing as well as he is for us?
France dont exactly have scubs playing. I think deschamps is spot on. There is no rush and given time he will grow into the role
He’s not gonna play his best football when Deschamps picks Upamaguire.
If he gets injured playing for France in some stupid qualifier I am going to be so pissed off
He’s better than Kounde and Konate, Deschamps just haiting for no reason!
Has Saliba ever played with what could be called the France first XI, has he even played with Mbappe?
He played when we lost against Germany last month or so. He was trash
Man could have a partnership of Saliba and Konate but nah, you stick with Kounde and keep big salibs safe.
Probably being more nervous playing for France as his place is not guaranteed
Which is what Deschamps says.
Also, with Arteta’s ruthless rotations, I don’t really know about Arsenal either lmao.
Deschamps is recognised as the best manager in French National Team history. Most teams and managers today consider it a huge challenge to play against this master tactician who combines superior judgment and man management skills. Some people forget that he had to manage a great French team in the last world cup that had lost three / four world class players to injury yet they only lost by the finest margin in the finals. He knows also how to get behind key players: he supported Griezmann through his 18 months dark patch and it has paid off handsomely. He has also rebuilt the NT team from the back integrating a new goalkeeper and centre back pairings after key players retired. He knows how to play the media game too. Where does that leave Saliba? Crazy enough, France has probably four young world class centre backs to choose from and another four knocking at the door: Saliba, Kimpembe, Konate, Upamecano, Malo Gusto, Disasi, Todibo, Fofana not mentioning Kounde or Zouma… I agree that this hasn’t helped William assert himself, but also IMHO centre back is probably the position that works best by having perfect coordination as well with GK (and midfield). Just the drills and repetition of playing together enhances performance immeasurably… Saliba hasn’t had this chance with France yet but he grasped it eventually when time came, belatedly, with Arsenal. When I look at these 10 names above I’m convinced he belongs in the top two and that his time will come. I’d be surprised if he isn’t thrown in this window and it would be an important step towards establishing him as a key player and eventually opening up the opportunity to become the worthy successor to Varane.
He’s 22. He has time
Absolutely mad that he’s only 22. He plays like he’s a seasoned veteran.
He is a seasoned veteran. But at 22. From here on he can only become seasoned veteraner, until he is veteranest.
How can you be so sure he wont become seasoner veteran and seasonest veteran?
Seems like an oversight to me
Might even become a seasonal veterinarian, who knows.
Had the same effect on us as when Liverpool signed Van Dijk and Van Dijk was around 27 then. I hope Saliba will be here for another decade.
Deschamps
Oh I wonder if Messi could reach GOAT level if Pep has that mindset