Following recent reports that Arsenal defender William Saliba won’t start for France at the Euro 2024, he was once again on the bench for his country on Wednesday.
Unfortunately for Saliba, France manager Didier Deschamps appears to be the only man in world football right now who doesn’t quite appreciate his quality.
Under Mikel Arteta at the Emirates, Saliba didn’t miss a Premier League minute last season, let alone sit on the bench for important matches.
And yet, despite France playing three centre-backs against Luxembourg in their 3-0 win, Saliba was left on the sidelines.
Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate started alongside Dayot Upamecano and Jules Kounde, with Saliba entering the fold at half-time.
Saliba will go to Germany and will be ready to contribute, but it’s such a bizarre situation that Deschamps appears to have these doubts.
Nonetheless, having played 45 minutes on Wednesday, local media have been sharing their reaction to the display, including some tongue in cheek comments about Deschamps.
French media can see the irony in Arsenal’s William Saliba not starting for France
Footmercato gave Saliba 5/10 for his showing, a rating that paid respect to France’s defence having little work to do.
They wrote: “Considered one of the best defenders in the Premier League, the Gunner was not put in difficulty, content to restart cleanly from his area.”
So Foot appeared to poke fun at Deschamps’ peculiar treatment of Saliba saying: “He didn’t have to do anything, but Didier Deschamps still thinks he had a bad match.”
Incidentally, someone who did receive rave reviews was a midfielder recently linked with a move to the Emirates.
Arsenal target Youssouf Fofana impresses for France
AS Monaco’s Youssouf Fofana started in midfield, completing 89 minutes in the comfortable win.
And with Arsenal interested in a £20m deal for Fofana this summer, the performance may have caught the eye of one or two in north London.
Sources pointed out how 25-year-old Fofana is consistently improving for France, perhaps someone who is in contention for minutes in Germany.
And given how much Arsenal have been quoted for Premier League midfielders Bruno Guimaraes and Douglas Luiz, Fofana could be an ideal cost-effective alternative.
That being said, Arsenal may have just been handed their best transfer update on the summer yet.