Arsenal’s star Saliba struggles for recognition in France | OneFootball

William Saliba is a celebrated pillar of Arsenal’s defence, earning accolades in the Premier League. However, his reputation in his native France is far less positive.

Saliba struggles to gain the trust of French national team manager Didier Deschamps and faces scepticism about his abilities.

LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 12: William Saliba of Arsenal celebrates as David Raya of Arsenal (not pictured) makes the match-winning save from the fourth penalty from Galeno of FC Porto (not pictured) in the penalty shoot out during the UEFA Champions League 2023/24 round of 16 second leg match between Arsenal FC and FC Porto at Emirates Stadium on March 12, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

William Saliba’s status as a defensive force for Arsenal has earned him widespread acclaim in England. He’s a cornerstone of the Premier League’s best defence and was recently named to its Team of the Year. Yet, back home in France, the perception of Saliba’s abilities couldn’t be more different.

Despite his success at Arsenal, Saliba has yet to win over French national team manager Didier Deschamps. His 13 appearances for France have been underwhelming, and Deschamps’ recent criticism highlights the scepticism Saliba faces. “He is having a good season, but he also does things that I don’t like so much. For France, he has limited game time for France, and when he plays, that hasn’t necessarily gone well,” Deschamps pointed out.

France’s forward Kylian Mbappe (L) fights for the ball with France’s defender WIlliam Saliba (R) during a training session in Clairefontaine-en-Yvelines, on November 14, 2023, as part of the team’s preparation for upcoming UEFA Euro 2024 football tournament qualifying matches. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)

“The hierarchy doesn’t favour him at the moment, but he is here,” Deschamps said during the last international break. “Dayot Upamecano has had game time and perhaps William has had less. With certain players, I make sure to persevere, because it can be confidence or little blockages that can shift. Some don’t have any concerns, some need game time. William has had less game time, so that doesn’t allow him to be very calm,” he added.

This difference in perception isn’t lost on Saliba. Sources close to the defender confirmed he’s aware of the disparity. “It’s explained by the fact that he’s judged by his performances for France, and he is aware that he doesn’t have a standout match with Les Bleus,” one insider explained.

As long as Saliba struggles to make an impact for France, or lacks sufficient playing time to do so, the doubts about his talent are unlikely to subside. He has a mountain to climb to earn the same level of respect in France that he commands at Arsenal.