Rio Ferdinand has defended Arsenal defender William Saliba over his performances for France during the international break, as he told Vibe with Five.
The Premier League legend was told that Saliba produced a ‘disasterclass’ for his side, as he was also called a ‘clown’, but Ferdinand was having none of it and stated ‘give him a chance’.
France are the current World Champions and when everyone is fit, then Saliba would probably struggle to make Didier Deschamps’ starting XI.
But, with France having 10+ players out injured, it has opened the door for players like Saliba to start during this past week.
That was handed to Saliba and he endured a difficult game as his side suffered a 2-0 defeat to Denmark in the UEFA Nations League last time out.
Nonetheless, this was Ferdinand’s reaction to Saliba’s latest display and he was at the critical comments aimed at the 21-year-old.
“Wow,” responded Ferdinand to Saliba being called a ‘clown’. “Give him a chance man, he’s a young player. Why are you always Saliba-bashing?!
SALIBA STILL HAVING A STRONG SEASON
This was a minor blip from Saliba and it still doesn’t hide away from how he has been one of the best players in the Premier League this season.
Mikel Arteta’s side are sitting top of the table and their £27 million defender (Sky Sports) has played a huge part in that.
But, at the weekend, he will face his toughest test yet when he plays his first-ever north London derby.
Antonio Conte’s Tottenham are unbeaten in the league and they will travel to the Emirates, with Son Heung-min at their disposal, after his recent hat-trick, as well as Harry Kane, who has a strong record in this fixture.
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