France and Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate has now revealed what he has said to Arsenal star William Saliba at Euro 2024.
Arsenal centre-back William Saliba has impressed for France at Euro 2024.
The defender’s place in the pecking order, at international level, was questioned ahead of the summer tournament. France manager Didier Deschamps has been critical of Saliba in the past, and the Arsenal man had not been a regular starter for his country ahead of Euro 2024.
However, the 23-year-old has been a fixture in the France starting XI throughout the competition so far, and his performances have improved with each passing game.
Arsenal fans will be bemused as to why Saliba’s place in the starting XI was ever in doubt. The player has been a sensation for the Gunners over the course of the last two seasons, and he has established himself as one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League under Mikel Arteta.
He is now shining on the biggest stage, where a player of his talent absolutely belongs, and is receiving the recognition that he deserves. He is also well-liked within the France squad. Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe is thrilled for Saliba’s success for club and country, as the pair share a childhood connection.
Ibrahima Konate shares message for Arsenal star William Saliba at Euro 2024
Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate is the player who has lost out due to Saliba’s ascension to the starting XI, as the 16-cap international was previously a regular at the back for France alongside Dayot Upamecano.
However, despite his own fall down the pecking order an international level, the 25-year-old has remained supportive of Saliba.
As quoted by The Sun (30/06/2024, Goals pull-out section, page 8), the Liverpool man revealed: “He [Saliba] deserves this playing time. I’ve spoken to him and told him that this is his moment.”
Arsenal fans will agree with Konate’s sentiments, and will be hoping that Saliba can continue to shine at the Euros, and that he will return to the Emirates Stadium full of confidence and injury-free.
The defender’s extensive game time at the Euros also justifies the Gunners’ decision not to allow him to play at the Olympic Games in Paris later this summer.
Arsenal legend Thierry Henry requested that Saliba be part of his France squad for the Games, but as the Olympics are not a Fifa or Uefa led tournament, the North London club were under no obligation to release the player and as such Arteta denied the former striker.
Arteta has Arsenal stars in Marbella whilst Bukayo Saka struggles at Euro 2024
In this week’s episode, Will Jones and Rahul Lakhani discussed England’s recent poor performances at the European Championships. With Arsenal players Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka receiving mixed reviews for England so far, Gareth Southgate’s tactical decisions were questioned.
There was some talk about the members of the Arsenal squad currently on a surprise training camp with Mikel Arteta in Marbella, as well as a brief look at how Gabriel Magalhaes and Gabriel Martinelli are getting on at the Copa America with Brazil.
