21 November 2023 , 15:30
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William Gallas has told William Saliba he can become a world beater with France.
But Gallas has warned the Arsenal defender that he may have to be patient and must be ready to seize his chance when it eventually comes. Former Arsenal and Chelsea defender Gallas believes Saliba has all the qualities to become one of the best centre-backs in the world.
But Gallas, who won 84 caps for Le Bleus, believes France boss Didier Deschamps wants Saliba to step up and be ready to become a starter ahead of next summer’s Euros. Gallas, talking to Genting Casino, said: “Didier Deschamps said he wanted more from William Saliba.
“He said that the competition to get into his team is higher than it is at Arsenal, which is true. I don’t think that Deschamps was questioning Saliba’s quality; he knows how good he is as a player.
“William Saliba can be one of the best defenders in the world. The problem he has in the France team is that other players have played under Deschamps for longer. Players like Ibrahima Konate and Dayot Upamecano, they were there before him, so William Saliba needs to be patient and when he gets an opportunity to start for France, he has to take it.
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“Sometimes players that are given the opportunity by Deschamps in the starting 11 don’t grab it. I think that is why Saliba is behind the players that I mentioned. He needs to show everyone how good he is in a French shirt. When he does that, the conversation about him (playing for France) is finished.
“The debate about who will play for France will disappear because Saliba can establish himself as France’s best defender. He can be the first-choice centre-back of Didier Deschamps.”
William Saliba is not a regular starter for France (Getty Images) HAVE YOUR SAY! Is William Saliba France's best central defender? Comment below.
Gallas even says he sees himself in Saliba, who is a huge favourite with Arsenal fans because of his quality on the ball, pace and ability to read the game. France will be among the favourites to win the Euros next summer with the likes of England and Dallas says Saliba, who has 11 caps so far, can be a huge part of that.
Gallas added: “He reminds me of myself. I was waiting for an opportunity to play for France after playing in the Champions League for a few seasons. I was playing next to Marcel Desailly, my club team-mate, against Slovenia for my first cap.
“I said to myself ‘you have to take this opportunity’. I knew that I could establish myself in that team for years if I played well and that’s what I did. I had a good game against Slovenia and went on to receive 84 caps for France. I think I was a substitute once or twice in that period. Saliba can do the same thing if he takes his opportunity. He just needs to be patient.”