An Arsenal star has been praised after his most recent international performance despite recent criticism from his national team manager.
The Euros are on the horizon with European teams making their final preparations ahead of this summer’s tournament, where Arsenal players will feature prominently in the competition.
Kai Havertz’s Germany host this year’s Euros whilst Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice are likely to feature heavily for an England side that many are considering the early tournament favourites heading into the week.
And one Arsenal star is hitting form at the right time for his national team.
William Saliba showered with praise after France friendly vs Canada
As per L’Equipe, William Saliba was rated as France’s best player last night in their 0-0 draw against Canada, with the £27m Arsenal defender praised for his ‘reassuring’ performance in central defence.
With Didier Deschamps recently claiming that he wasn’t a big fan of Saliba’s skillset, the Arsenal star’s performance in Bordeaux might have gone a long way in changing the French manager’s mind on the 23-year-old defender.
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Indeed, whilst Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate and Bayern Munich star Dayot Upamecano are expected to be France’s main centre-back pairing at the Euros, Saliba could now have a claim to start at the Euros.
And whilst such a development might be annoying for Arsenal given how much Saliba played last season, the chance to star at a major European tournament is more than deserved for the defender.
Saliba could be key in France winning this summer’s Euros
Along with England, France are one of the early tournament favourites for the Euros given the immense amount of depth Les Bleus have even when taking into account injuries.
And after these last two international friendlies, Saliba could now be key in France winning the Euros this summer, with Arsenal defender arguably one of the best in the world and more than good enough to start for the 2018 FIFA World Cup champions.
Given the year Saliba has had in the Premier League, it seems crazy that the defender could spend the Euros sat on the bench, yet the 23-year-old has shown his worth and done all he can to claim a spot in the starting XI.