William Saliba – The Raphael Varane alike who may join Arsenal this summer.
It’s time. Finally, the Arsenal fans will hawk what they demanded for. The Gooners have been craving a centre-back, a “worthy one” to squad into the Emirates. William Saliba, it is to be joining Arsenal. It’s an “almost done” deal.
Who is William Saliba?
The 18-year-old French defender, believed to be replacing Rafael Varane, Saliba is the embodiment of young talent with bright future. He currently plays for Saint-Etienne in the first French League.
The defender is new to senior football with only a year of experience in senior football. The defender came into limelight after spending 6 years at AS Bondy then moving to FC Montfermeil before joining Saint-Etienne in 2016. In the first year he played as a youth player but it didn’t take him long to be called by senior squad.
In his not-so short career of football, William has played U16’s, U17’s, U18’s and U19’s level of international football. Just for fun facts, Saliba was coached by Kylian Mbappe’s father.
“I took my first license at the age of 6 at AS Bondy, the city where I was born,” he said.
“I was then in beginner category. The first coach who counted for me is Wilfried Mbappé, Kylian’s father. He was direct, frank, he did not hesitate to push me.
“Even when I had a good match, he asked me more, he did not want me to rest on my laurels.”
What are the perks of Saliba joining Arsenal?
Saliba has already been compared to Kurt Zouma. That’s enough to give you a glimpse of what he is. The youngster could not be beautifully described than this.
Though Kurt Zouma is not seen as a beast of defender as of now, but we all know what Kurt Zouma was capable of before that career threatening injury.
“I think he has everything needed to become a good player, much like Kurt Zouma, who I signed,” said Jose Mourinho, as per the Metro.
The centre-back is more of a need than a necessity. The defender has to come in and place himself in the ever-faltering shoes of Mustafi, though he does not want to play like him. The youngster has all the basics covered, be it with the physicality or skills.
The testament of development that Saliba promises to his future, he will be a man to watch, if he joins us. An absolute steal this youngster can prove out to be for a fee reigning less than/around £25 million.
While former Arsenal defender Lauren added,” “Strong, tall, can come out of the back with the ball and an international for France.”
“He reads the game very well, which is important for a player at the back, you have to anticipate and he looks very good at just 18, so the future is bright!”
His age is disguise but talent true. With his strength and capability to don the ball, Saliba has a lot to be talked about which will all be true if he joins Arsenal which I desire to happen. The future is surely bright( assuming he joins) both for Arsenal and Saliba.
MUST WATCH: William Saliba • Welcome to Arsenal? • Unreal 18 Year Old Defender
