‘He does things that I don’t like as much’ – Didier Deschamps critical of William Saliba’s France performances

Whilst praising his appearances for Arsenal, Didier Deschamps has justified William Saliba’s (23) lack of game time for the France national team. 

For the past two seasons, ever since the end of his loan spell at Olympique de Marseille, Saliba has been an undisputed starter under Mikel Arteta at Arsenal. At the end of last season, the Frenchman was named in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year, however, despite regularly impressing at club level, this isn’t being rewarded with a starting place in the France team. 

To date, Saliba has just 12 caps for Les Bleus, six of which have come from the start. Having celebrated his 23rd birthday with the France squad on Sunday, he will be hoping to earn another cap against Chile on Tuesday. However, Deschamps has said that it may be difficult for Saliba to force his way into the first team in the short term. 

🥳 The France squad celebrated William Saliba’s 23rd birthday today.

Will the Arsenal man make an appearance for Les Bleus against Chile on Tuesday? pic.twitter.com/kjMniLetXt

— Get French Football News (@GFFN) March 24, 2024

“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, but when he plays, that hasn’t necessarily gone well. The hierarchy doesn’t favour him at the moment, but he is here. 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,” said Deschamps at a press conference on Monday.

Whilst Saliba will be confident of being selected in the France squad for this summer’s Euros, earning a starting spot certainly looks like an uphill task. 

GFFN | Luke Entwistle