Defender William Saliba joined Arsenal two years ago with a reputation of one of the best young centre-backs in the world. But he didn’t get a place in the starting line-up for the Gunners – but he earned it anyway. A combination of impressing in training and performing away on loan spells, the 21-year-old has earned his stripes and fully gained Mikel Arteta’s confidence.Now, former French international striker, and a one-time Arsenal striker, Nicolas Anelka, says Saliba will go the same route in the colours of the national side. 🗣️| David Trezeguet: “He (William Saliba) doesn’t play a big role in Qatar, but the competition is very tough (in the French national team). He has developed very well at Arsenal since last summer.” [@wettbasis] #FRA #afc pic.twitter.com/sjYKujB8qJ— Arsenal Buzz (@ArsenalBuzzCom) December 14, 2022 “William Saliba doesn’t play a big role in Qatar, but the competition is very tough in the French national team. He has developed very well at Arsenal since last year. I assume that his time will come soon, because he has promising potential. And his positional play is getting better and better.”##NAJAVA_MECA_6886040##With the likes of Raphael Varane, Dayot Upamecano, Ibrahima Konate and Jules Kounde all able to play as a central defender, Saliba has been overlooked by Didier Deschamps, despite his incredible form for the London club this season.’I’m French, but I will support Morocco’Another former Gunner, Emmanuel Petit agrees with the fellow Arsene Wenger recruit. Patience has done wonders for Saliba’s career so far, proving the recipe for success.”He made a huge leap forward this season, he’s asserted himself at Arsenal, and he’s also a key part of the Gunners’ successful season. He already seems very mature and very calm in his game. After first being on loan he wanted to show everyone, especially coach Arteta. He anticipates the opponent’s attacks very well, he is technically clean and he is now bursting with self-confidence. He’s now one of the best defenders in the Premier League, that’s for sure. He is the future of Arsenal, but also of the French national team.”
