Saliba is also becoming a regular at international level, playing in all but two of France’s international games since March 2024.
Indeed, the Arsenal star played every minute of France’s Euro 2024 campaign as they made it to the semi-finals of the competition.
However, Saliba was not at his best as France were beaten 2-0 by Croatia in their UEFA Nations League quarter-final first leg on Thursday.
The French press reacted to Saliba’s display, with one moment in particular earning him criticism.
Photo by Srdjan Stevanovic - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
Photo by Srdjan Stevanovic – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
Arsenal star William Saliba slated for poor display in France loss to Croatia
Saliba came under criticism by the French media because he didn’t track Ante Budimir’s run closely enough for his goal in the 26th minute.
The Arsenal star was given a 4 out of 10 by Footmercato, who wrote: “Saliba will need to do some specific recovery training in the coming days.
“The Arsenal defender gave the ball away to his opponents far too often.
“On the penalty kick, he offered the ball to (Luka) Modric, and what about his completely missed cross to (Lucas) Digne in the first half?
“He made up for it a bit in the duels, and even then, he was behind Budimir for the first goal.
“He was better, like the whole team, in the second half, but he will have to raise his level over 90 minutes with the French national team.”
Meanwhile, Eurosport gave him a lowly 3 out of 10, writing: “Like (Ibrahma) Konate, he suffered like never before against Budimir and played backwards throughout the first half.
“He was caught behind him for the opening goal and gave off an impression of nervousness that was unlike him, as seen with his cross directly into the opponent’s feet (33rd).
“A less complicated second half, which can be explained above all by the way the match played.”
What William Saliba keeps telling Arsenal about his future
Saliba may have had a rare off night for France, but most of the time he’s a solid player who offers a lot to club and country.
Arsenal fans are currently sweating over their defender future, with Real Madrid keeping tabs on Saliba ahead of a potential summer move.
“It’s also important to say William Saliba said I want to continue here and this is the message he’s sending in public but also in private,” Romano said on his YouTube channel.
“He’s telling Arsenal not to panic, I was confirming to you that Real Madrid appreciate Saliba. Someone internally at Real Madrid see William Saliba as the [Jude] Bellingham of defenders.
“So, they consider Saliba as a fantastic player, fantastic opportunity, out of contract in 2027.”
“But it’s something not being negotiated now. Real Madrid are not negotiating with Saliba, Real Madrid have not approached Arsenal, so they are not negotiation and Saliba sent a very clear message.
“Also, for Mikel Arteta and for the new director Andrea Berta, Saliba is considered an absolutely crucial player for the project.
“They want to win things, Saliba, Arteta and now also Berta all together, winning things altogether in this project, this is what they want to do.”
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