France to use William Saliba as focal point for World Cup bid in Qatar

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Didier Deschamps reportedly has plans to use William Saliba as a new focal point for France in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, with the Arsenal star set to form part of a new-look defence.

According to GFFN, the 21-year-old defender will take a key role in a new 3-4-1-2 formation that will see Saliba start in the three-man defence alongside Manchester United star Raphael Varane and AS Monaco talent Benoit Badiashile, with France one of the early favourites to win the World Cup.

Saliba broke into Deschamps team last year during his productive loan spell with Olympique Marseille, and this season has seen the Arsenal youngster become a key part of Mikel Arteta’s main starting XI, with the defender featuring in every Premier League game this campaign as the Gunners sit top of the standings.

Labelled by L’Equipe as a player who will be a ‘key figure’ for France out in Qatar, Saliba has been a revelation in the English top-flight this campaign. And the Arsenal star’s performances now look set to be rewarded in a huge way ahead of this month’s World Cup in the Middle East.

Alongside fellow youngster Badiashile and experienced head Varane, Deschamps’ plan to use a whole new defence for the World Cup is an interesting move from the French manager, who will be without some huge names for the competition this winter, namely midfielders Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante.

Indeed, Saliba more than deserves a chance to impress for France on the biggest stage of all. And for Arsenal fans, they will be hopeful that their talismanic defender has a successful World Cup in what will be the centre-back’s first major international tournament with the European powerhouses.

Saliba starring for France at the World Cup could accelerate contract talks

Signed from Saint-Etienne in 2019 for £27m, Saliba’s rise with Arsenal this season has been nothing short of extraordinary. And with reports of a new contract in the works, the defender could aid his future with the north London side with a strong showing with France out in Qatar.

After all, Saliba seems keen to remain in the Premier League with Arsenal. And with talks underway to sign a new contract, the defender will do himself a big favour in winning a new deal if he is to impress in Qatar and to help France to a third World Cup.