William Saliba faced heavy criticism after a subpar performance in France’s recent 2-1 victory over Belgium in the UEFA Nations League. Despite France securing a win, the Arsenal center-back was singled out for what some have described as his worst showing for Les Bleus.
The 23-year-old defender, usually known for his calm presence and composed play, struggled against Belgium’s dynamic attack. Critics pointed out his positioning, decision-making, and difficulty keeping up with Belgium’s pacey forwards. His lapses led to some uncomfortable moments for the French defense, and his performance was seen as far from the high standards expected of him, especially after an impressive season with Arsenal.
Saliba has been lauded for his rise at Arsenal, where he has been pivotal in Mikel Arteta’s defense, but his recent outing with the national team showed that there is still room for growth on the international stage. Despite the criticism, Saliba will likely remain an important player for both club and country, but he will need to bounce back to silence doubters after this disappointing display.
