Arsenal star man to receive major role at World Cup
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According to a report in France, Arsenal defender William Saliba is set to be handed a starting berth at the World Cup in Qatar.
THE LOWDOWN: IMPRESSIVE SALIBA
Saliba was snapped up by Arsenal in 2019, but did not get to play for the Gunners until the current campaign. The highly-rated French defender has since taken the Premier League by storm, churning out impressive performances every match week for the Premier League leaders.
Saliba has barely put a foot wrong this season. On his debut, he was awarded the man-of-the-match against Crystal Palace.
On Sunday when Arsenal faced off with Chelsea, he was impeccable at the back to help the Gunners return to the top of the log.
Following these outstanding performances, Saliba hopes to feature for France at the World Cup later this month and it appears that is bound to happen.
THE LATEST: STARTING BERTH
Saliba is set to be a starter for France at the World Cup, according to a report in his native country.
The 21-year-old, who only made his international debut earlier in March, has featured seven times for France and is one of the young pool of defenders available to coach Didier Deschamps to choose from.
GFFN report that France are set to use a three-back formation at the World Cup, with William Saliba expected to complete the backline alongside Raphael Varane and Benoit Badiashile.
The France squad is set to be announced on Wednesday night.
THE VERDICT: GOOD NEWS
One thing is clear, Saliba will be at the World Cup in Qatar, further increasing Arsenal’s contingent going to the Mundial. So, where doubts are evident is his involvement in the games.
Although Saliba was criticized in his last outing for Les Blues, he has featured in seven of France’s last eight games, starting four of them and coming off the bench in the remaining three.
Saliba’s performances for Arsenal this season should naturally put his head and shoulders above the rest, but he is vastly inexperienced on the international scene. With injuries to Varane and Barcelona’s Jules Kounde, Saliba could play a part in the decision to be made.
The 21-year-old has started every league game for Arsenal this season and with those consistent performances, it is no surprise that Didier Deschamps is contemplating handing him a starting berth.