You could argue that Arsenal star William Saliba is the best defender in the world right now.
Even though the 23-year-old signed for Arsenal in 2019 under Unai Emery, it wasn’t until 2022 that he would make his senior debut under Mikel Arteta.
Many felt his injury during the final few months of last season resulted in Mikel Arteta watching his side collapse in the Premier League title race.
Fast forward to the present and William Saliba has played a key role in the Gunners sitting top of the table and having the best defence in the league.
But that form isn’t seemingly translating itself onto the international stage because the Arsenal star isn’t a regular for France, including when Kai Havertz’s Germany beat the 2022 World Cup finalists in a friendly over the weekend.
Frank Leboeuf questioned manager Didier Deschamps for his actions and stated ‘I don’t understand why’ he isn’t playing, as he told ESPN.
Bayern Munich’s Dayot Upamecano, who is having a mixed time in Germany, and Inter’s Benjamin Pavard played at the heart of defence.
That isn’t sitting well with World Cup winner Frank Leboeuf, who wants to see him earn more starts for Arsenal’s ice-cool defender.
William Saliba’s lack of minutes for France
“I would say defence right now,” said Leboeuf on the weakest part of France’s game. “It used to be strong. It’s like Didier Deschamps is wondering who is the best duo at centre-back. He tried something else (during the defeat to Germany). Didier has to find the right four players to play as defenders. When he does so, we will be very strong.
On Saliba being France’s strongest defender: “I agree. That’s a real question, for me. I don’t understand why Saliba isn’t playing all the time. He showed to the world that he is the best defender in the world right now, well, the best French defender playing for a big club.
“I don’t know why he isn’t playing there. He is absolutely tremendous. He should deserve the chance to show it at that level.”
Arsenal are the winners
Look, Arsenal fans will, no doubt, want all of their star players to be repping their country at the top level.
But Saliba not playing here should be seen as a positive because it means he is resting up ahead of a gruelling fixture list.
This isn’t a Ben White situation, but at least, ahead of the final Premier League title run-in, key players are resting up, including Bukayo Saka returning back early from England duty.
Saying that, this doesn’t bode well for Saliba ahead of Euro 2024 because it seems as though he will be sitting on the bench for France’s opening game.
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