William Saliba has been sensational. The French defender is recognized as one of, if not the best center back in the world right now. His performances in the last two seasons have catapulted him into the conversation. Arsenal currently sit behind the defending champions at second in the league. With the upcoming match against Manchester City this weekend, the defender would be vital in stopping Erling Haaland from scoring. Haaland has scored 9 goals in the league this season, for context, Chelsea have scored 8 which is the second most in the league behind Manchester City. William Saliba was brilliant against the champions last season and did not allow Haaland to get onto the scoresheet. The 23-year-old recently talked to Fox Mexico about a few things before the top-of-the-table clash this weekend, let’s look into what he said.
William Saliba on Haaland and the match against Man City:
Saliba was confident when talking about the match against Manchester City. He said that they have competed against the champions in the last two seasons and are looking forward to do the same this year. He also said that they need to do more to beat City and win the league. The defender was also mindful of the fact that they are competing against other teams too, not just one.
When talking about Erling Haaland, the French defender was appreciative of his rival. Talking about how he feels that Haaland is one of the best in the world and an incredible competitor, he also reminded everyone that last season Arsenal stopped him from scoring in both league matches.
William Saliba would need to perform at his best against City and Haaland. The defending champions have shown that they can be vulnerable at the back and in the match against Inter in the Champions League, Haaland was shut down as the Italians held City to a goalless draw. Arsenal’s defense is great, with Rice coming back, Arsenal can get the better of City. If Arteta can get his tactics right, they might be able to lessen Haaland’s impact in the game.
Saliba on the difference between playing for France and Arsenal:
William Saliba was very clear about the difference between playing for club and country. He said that with different coaches and different tactics, it is not the same. He also mentioned that, for a country, the preparation time is less when compared to that for a club.
The 23-year-old was amongst France’s most important players in the Euros and was the only French player apart from goalkeeper Mike Maignan, to be named in the UEFA EURO team of the tournament. His performances in the last 18 months have made him stand out in England and at the national camp. He now finds himself in conversations about the world’s best defenders.
Being called the best in the world
William Saliba doesn’t want to be called the best before he wins a championship. The youngster has won two English Super Cups but no league or European title. He believes that he is on his way to be become one of the best but isn’t there yet. The defender was happy with his performances in the last two years, especially last year, and is confident that he is on the right track. He did say that he is one of the best but to become the best he has to win trophies.
Saliba is confident in his abilities as a player but realizes that football is about winning trophies. The 23-year-old shows maturity beyond his years both on and off the field. We have seen many youngsters getting carried away after a few good seasons, but Saliba understands that the job is to win. He is going to be one of the best players of this generation for sure. It is up to Arsenal to make sure that they win trophies or else, a player as talented and as ambitious as him might leave to win trophies someday.
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