Arsenal: William Saliba stats undeniably encouraging

William Saliba has produced some rather incredible statistics for Saint-Etienne this season. They are undeniably encouraging for the prospects of the soon-to-be Arsenal defender.

Arsenal needed centre-back help in the summer. But they also needed investment at left-back, in central midfield and out wide. They could not afford to spend at every position. So, to manoeuvre their way around this problem, they invested £27 million in teenage centre-back William Saliba from Saint-Etienne before loaning him back to the French club for another season.

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It meant that the club did not solve their centre-back problems for the 2019/20 season, and their shortcomings at the positions have been made quite clear throughout the campaign thus far, but it also allowed them to sign a top-tier performer at a crucial position without having to spend the same £80 million that Manchester United did to prise Harry Maguire away from Leicester City.

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During his year on loan, Saliba has impressed greatly. While injuries have stented his playing time significantly, when he has been a part of the Saint-Etienne side, he has invariably made a huge difference. In fact, just have a look at these statistics.

Saliba has played nine games for St. Etienne this season. The French side has won six of those games, a win rate of 66.6%, lost just once, conceded only seven goals and kept five clean sheets. It is quite the record.

The statistics are even more impressive when put in the context of the entire season. In the 24 games that Saliba has not played in all competitions this season, St. Etienne have just seven wins, accrued three clean sheets, and have conceded a horrific 47 goals.

And the stats are backed up by those he plays with. This week, teammates Mathieu Debuchy and Yohann Cabaye, both of which have played in the Premier League — Debuchy with the very team that Saliba will join — were asked about Saliba’s prospects with The Official Ligue 1 Podcast. Debuchy said:

"“He’s a great player. I’m so happy for him to play next season for a big club like Arsenal. He improves every game and I think he is a great player. He’s strong with good technique. He’s quick. I think he has a lot of quality to play at Arsenal.”"

Cabaye then echoed the sentiments:

"“He’s like a big man – he’s only 18 but he’s like a big man. The way he plays, him and Wesley Fofana are both fantastic. The future look bright for them and I hope they continue in the same way. He’s strong and hopefully he will adapt himself really quickly. In a club like Arsenal with French players I think he can do really well.”"

The point is this: Saliba is enjoying a very encouraging year in which his talent is quite clear. Saying anything more than that would be irresponsible. It is simply too early to draw any meaningful conclusions. But the early signs are inarguably encouraging. Arsenal might finally have solved their centre-back crisis.