William Saliba has further solidified his chances to break into Mikel Arteta’s squad next season with statistics that make him the perfect centre-back for Arsenal. This builds on reports suggesting the Gunners are willing to offer him a new contract.
It was announced earlier this week that the French defender has received a call-up to the senior French national team for the first time in his career. The 20-year-old was called in as a replacement for Benjamin Pavard who suffered from an injury.
Saliba has been called up to World Cup holders’ squad due to his excellent loan stint at Marseille. This has been proved by his marvellous statistics which make him one of the best defenders in Ligue 1 this season.
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During his loan spell at Marseille in this campaign, according to Opta, Saliba has had more touches than any other player, he has made the most attempted and successful passes. He also has the highest carry progress in France's top division at 4256m.
Arteta will be extremely pleased with these statistics as the Spaniard expects more from his centre-backs than just being able to defend. Ben White is constantly seen being the player to create attacks, or to carry the ball into midfield which creates space for the rest of the team.
At Marseille, Saliba has shown the maturity required to be a regular Premier League centre-back, playing more minutes than any other player aged 20 and under in Europe's top five leagues. The French defender has proven to be crucial for Jorge Sampaoli’s side and has started every Ligue 1 match since joining the club.
A flurry of marvellous displays earned him a spot in the starting XI of France's best under-23 players, put together by French newspaper L’Equipe. This has also saw be awarded with the club’s Player of the Month three times this season.
His height and athletic prowess mean he's the perfect build for a defender looking to make waves in the English game and has had a senior call-up to the French national team to add to his excellent. Arsenal must assure him that he has a future at the club.
He has shown his quality during his loan moves, and he could be a crucial part of Arteta’s rebuilding process, especially if he challenges Gabriel Magalhaes and Ben White for a starting position. With Rob Holding’s future as a Gunner also uncertain, it will be important for Saliba to re-join for the squad depth, and not just his ability.
