Ahead of Euro 2024, Arsenal defender William Saliba concedes he is unlikely to start ahead of either first-choice central defender for Didier Deschamps: Ibrahima Konate and Dayot Upamecano.
Nevertheless, the 23-year-old hopes to show his qualities when he is given time on the pitch for the French national team at Euro 2024, which starts this month in Germany.
Arsenal defender William Saliba believes he is one of the three best defenders in the Premier League.
The 23-year-old has established himself at the heart of a well-organised Arsenal defence that pushed Manchester City hard for the Premier League this season, after initially spending three years back on loan in France following his move from St Etienne.
While he has 14 caps for France, he is not yet assured of a starting spot going into this summer’s Euro 2024.
In an interview with French newspaper L’Equipe, he conceded he has not yet forced Didier Deschamps’ hand when it comes to team selection.
“I have not yet met the same standards for the French team. The last two matches [against Luxembourg and Chile] were better, but before I had not done enough.
“I have not had a standout match yet.”
Contrasting that with his efforts for Arsenal, he believes he is currently one of the best plying his trade in England.
“I think I’m in the top three, yes,” he asserted. “We finished with the best defence. I watch lots of matches. I’m humble but last year, like this year, I’m one of the top three defenders.”
While he remains a substitute under Deschamps, he is nevertheless confident for his future.
“If he calls me up, it’s because he likes me a lot,” he said. “He’s got a lot of choice in central defence. Even if I know that I can do better, I know that he is aware of my abilities.”
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While he may start the competition on the bench, Saliba hopes to use Euro 2024 to “show him why I should be a starter”.
“If, at the Euros, I get time on the pitch, I hope to show my worth.
However, Saliba understands it may not be easy to break up the preferred partnership of Deschamps: Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate and Bayern Munich’s Dayot Upamecano.
France’s first game at the European Championships in Germany is against Austria on Monday, June 17.
