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Former Arsenal defender Mikael Silvestre has backed defender William Saliba to shine at the World Cup in Qatar.
THE LOWDOWN: BREAKTHROUGH YEAR
Saliba’s year is rounding up with a feature at the World Cup.
To think that he started the year without a cap for the National team and no clarity as to his future at the Emirates, further makes it interesting.
The exciting defender has made great leaps in the past eleven months, winning the Ligue 1 player of the year, getting his chance in the Arsenal team and getting named the man-of-the-match in his official debut for the club.
It wasn’t a surprise that his performances at Arsenal earned him a call-up to the French Squad for the World Cup and he is now set to play a part in the defending champions’ tournament in Qatar.
THE LATEST: PUNDIT’S BACKING
Mikael Silvestre has backed Arsenal defender William Saliba to excel at the World Cup tournament in Qatar.
The 21-year-old could start France’s World Cup opener against Australia on November 22 after Presnel Kimpembe was ruled out of the tournament due to injury.
When asked to name his standout Arsenal players at the World Cup, Silvestre told Betting Expert: ‘Maybe Saliba because now Kimpembe is out.
‘I think he’s got a real chance to start with Varane. That would be the continuity to his season.
‘I think he could be a big surprise and continue at the level he’s been showing in the Premier League.’
On the other hand, Silvestre also believes France’s lack of key players due to injury could hinder their chances in Qatar.
‘Pogba, Kante and Kimpembe are out. That’s three starters from the final in 2018 and in positions that we are not really strong,’ he added.
THE VERDICT: OPTIMISM
Saliba has done his bits with Arsenal during the course of the season and now is the time to replicate that form for the national team.
His last outing with Les Blues only lasted 45 minutes but he has the backing of France boss Didier Deschamps regardless.
Hopefully, he’s going to be given the chance to play and he will take them like he did with the Arsenal senior team.
