Another chapter has been written in the increasingly long story of William Saliba. Were the French defender to write a book of his career when he retires, he might get through the first five-plus chapters before detailing a senior appearance for Arsenal. If he ever makes one, and I sincerely hope he does.
So much has happened in this young man’s life up until this point where a new instalment in the saga is being scribed before his 21st birthday. The Arsenal loanee has been granted his first call-up to the French senior national side.
The injured Benjamin Pavard was replaced by Saliba with Didier Deschamps impressed with who many feel has been the best centre-half in Ligue 1 this season. At Marseille, Saliba has stood out for his recovery speed, versatility, distribution and progressive passing.
