'Very interesting': French media deliver verdicts on William Saliba's display vs Belgium last night
07/02/2024 02:55 AM
Arsenal's William Saliba was in action at Euro 2024 last night as France booked their spot in the quarter-finals.
The centre-back has surprisingly emerged as a starter for France this summer after previously struggling to nail down a place in Didier Deschamps' side.
William Saliba has started in each of France's four games at the Euros so far, helping them keep three clean sheets in the process.
His latest display helped Les Bleus to a 1-0 victory over Belgium to set up a mouthwatering clash with Portugal in the quarter-final.
The 23-year-old has impressed the French media with his performances at centre-back in Germany so far and last night proved to be no different.
READ MORE: Gabriel Agbonlahor says Arsenal star has been the best player in his position at Euro 2024 so far
French media deliver Saliba verdict as France beat Belgium
In what was yet another underwhelming attacking display from France, Deschamps' men needed a late own goal from Jan Vertonghen to book their spot in the next round.
But for all their shortcomings in the final third so far this summer, the defence has been ever reliable and Saliba has been key to that.
Footmercato handed the Arsenal star a 6.5/10 match rating for his display in the heart of the France defence last night.
They wrote: "After earning his place since the start of the tournament, the Arsenal leader confirms and proves more and more solid as the matches go by. Often sent to duel with Romelu Lukaku, the Gunner has taken the upper hand in most of his duels with the robust striker.
"His dangerous strike in the 74th minute could have allowed France to take a late advantage. Really very interesting tonight, he has asserted himself as France’s defensive leader for the rest of the tournament and in the future.
GFFN were slightly more generous with their rating as they handed Saliba a seven, claiming the defender dealt with the threat of Lukaku convincingly.
"Another France game, and another solid performance from the Arsenal man," the outlet wrote. "He faced a big physical threat in Romelu Lukaku and dealt with it with a calming panache, summarised by a moment when he bodied the AS Roma striker and played a sweet back-heel into safety.
Goal were less convinced by Saliba's display after the Arsenal star gave the ball away in a dangerous area in the second half, which led to a half chance for Belgium.
The outlet gave him a 6/10 rating but did note that barring his one error, he was up to the task on the night.
"His loss of the ball in the middle of the second half ended up being Belgium’s best goal opportunity," they wrote. "But, with the exception of this error, he proved to be up to the task.
"In line with his previous performances, he reigned supreme in his sector, helped by the passivity of the opposing attacking sector. He could have enhanced his performance with a goal if he had been on target with his attempt in the 75th minute."
READ MORE:Edu's gamble pays off as details of £154m Arsenal deals emerge
Saliba takes France opportunity
It's no secret that Deschamps has previously preferred a defensive duo of Dayot Upamecano and Ibrahima Konate for France.
Not many expected Saliba to head into the tournament in Germany as a starter but it's fair to say the centre-back has grabbed his opportunity with both hands.
France have underwhelmed in an attacking sense having only scored three goals in four games at Euro 2024.
However, they have been solid defensively and that stability at the back is a huge reason why they find themselves in the quarter final.
