William Saliba’s recent admission highlights the change in mentality over the last year. It also shows that the Frenchman will fit perfectly into Mikel Arteta’s culture.
When the youngster initially went out on loan to Marseille at the start of the season, he seemed almost downbeat and defeated, and had pushed the blame to Arteta for the reason that he was not able to break into the Arsenal first-team. However, as the season has progressed Saliba has started to take responsibility for his performances, and showing why he is ready to break into the Arsenal first team.
He has performed excellent while away on loan this season. And Arteta will be even more impressed with the maturity he has shown to grow throughout the year that was highlighted in his most recent comments.
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Speaking about his loan move away from Arsenal in a recent interview with French outlet L’equipe, Saliba said: "They are often in contact with my agent,"
"They send me messages. They watch my matches. They tell me to continue like this. I haven't played much with the Gunners. The coach [Mikel Arteta] made his choices, that's life. I left on loan, I played matches and, thanks to my performances, I became a [senior] international.” He added.
"I'm sure I can't just be on the bench at Arsenal and be happy. I want to play as a starter. Afterwards, if I come into the rotation as a substitute, it's not like staying with the Under-23s and never being in the squad."
These comments come as a major boost to Arsenal fans, and to Arteta as it was unclear whether Saliba wanted to stay in north London. However, these comments highlight the strong mentality of the Frenchman that he is ready to stay and fight for a place at Arsenal even if he is not in the starting line-up.
And these comments show that he has grown in maturity from the beginning of the season. It almost seemed like his time as an Arsenal player had ended.
Saliba has expressed his unhappiness over the lack of chances and told French broadcaster RMC Sport earlier in the season: “He [Mikel Arteta] judged me on two-and-a-half matches. I would have liked for him to play me more."
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.
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.
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.
