France’s New Star: William Saliba’s Rise to Prominence

France’s William Saliba in action at Euro 2024

France manager Didier Deschamps has been praised for his handling of Arsenal defender William Saliba, who made his starting debut for Les Bleus in their 1-0 victory over Austria at Euro 2024. Deschamps’ decision to ease Saliba into the team has been hailed as ’excellent management’ by former Arsenal and France defender William Gallas.

“Deschamps has been very clever with his management of William Saliba,” Gallas told Prime Casino. “He resisted the urge to put him into the team straight away and has eased him into the team.”

Saliba, 23, has been in impressive form for Arsenal, but Deschamps was cautious not to throw him into the spotlight too quickly. The French manager wanted Saliba to understand the difference between playing well for his club and playing well for his country.

Saliba in action for Arsenal

“I think it’s excellent management of the player,” Gallas continued. “He’s taken his time, given him some tough love, and now he is ready to start for France. He has been performing very well for Arsenal for the last two seasons – he didn’t miss a game last season – but I also think that Deschamps wanted Saliba to understand there is a difference between playing well for your club and playing well for your country.”

Gallas believes Saliba is now ready to become a cornerstone of the French defence for years to come. This tournament is Saliba’s first major international tournament as a starting player, and it’s a massive test and opportunity for him.

“This tournament is William Saliba’s first major international tournament as a starting player,” he said. “It is a massive test and a massive opportunity for him. Everything is in his hands. He needs to perform like he has done for Arsenal all season to keep his place in the starting eleven.”

Saliba in action for France

Gallas hopes Saliba will rise to the challenge and take the opportunity that is in front of him. With France’s rich history of producing talented defenders, Saliba has the chance to cement his place in the team for the next ten years.

“When you’re given the opportunity to start for a nation like France, where you could cement your place in the team for the next ten years if you play at your level, you have to take it. This is a different type of pressure for him to deal with. He has to be ready for it. I hope he rises to the challenge and takes the opportunity that is in front of him.”