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‘He’s evolved’: Mikel Arteta says Arsenal 21-year-old is so much better now

Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has told the club’s official website that he was pleased with the performance of William Saliba against Frank Lampard’s Everton.

The Gunners got the better of Everton 2-0 in Baltimore in a pre-season friendly match.

Saliba featured in the game, and Arteta was impressed by the display produced by the 21-year-old France international central defender.

The Arsenal boss has added that Saliba has evolved as a player during his loan spell at Marseille last season.

Mikel Arteta on Arsenal’s William Saliba

Arteta told Arsenal’s official website about Saliba: “He was really good. I think he played a really good game, he looked really composed, straight away from day one he looked completely focussed, he’s evolved the way we wanted and today I think he had a great performance.”

William Saliba arsenal arrteta
Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Encouraging

In our view, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta’s comments on William Saliba are very encouraging.

The youngster struggled at Arsenal during his brief time at London Colney, but it seems that he has returned to the Gunners a better player since his loan spells at Nice and Marseille.

Ben White and Gabriel are the two main centre-backs at Arsenal, and it is going to be tough for Saliba to get into the team on a regular basis.

However, Arsenal will have UEFA Europa League football next season, and there will also be cup competitions.

Saliba could get his chances at Arsenal next season, and when he gets them, he simply has to take them and show what he is capable of.