Arsenal to profit from outstanding William Saliba form

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MARSEILLE, FRANCE – SEPTEMBER 30: William Saliba (R) of Marseille argues with Mbaye Diagne (L) of Galatasaray after UEFA Europa League Group E soccer match between Marseille and Galatasaray, at Stade Velodrome in Marseille, France on September 30, 2021. (Photo by Burak Akbulut/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images) /

William Saliba is Statistically One of the Best in France at Present

So far this season, Saliba has only been dribbled past twice which is impressive considering he has played nine games in Jorge Sampoali’s expressive side (seven in Ligue 1, two in the Europa League) and has played the full 90 minutes on each occasion. This works out to be just 0.29 times per match. Putting this into context, White’s rate is at 0.60 while Gabriel, like Saliba, has yet to see a player dribble past him.

So while it did seem like an odd move for Arteta to loan out one of the best-rated defenders on the planet, Saliba is showing his skill and class while playing first-team football: men, not boys. It all makes for an intriguing return to the Emirates next year as he will be right in the thick of the centre-back battle.

"It was thought that Saliba did not have a future at Arsenal but journalist Fabrizio Romano revealed: “Arsenal trust him 100% for the future. He joined Marseille on loan to play all games as a starter then he’ll be back next season.”"

A collective sigh of relief from the entire Arsenal fanbase was heard as it looks as if Arteta knew what he was doing all along when he sent the youngster out on loan. However, we’ve heard this before.

Given the start he has made this season, one can only imagine what kind of defender Saliba will become by the end of the year. If the first nine games are to go by, then perhaps the likes of Holding and Mari have already slipped down the pecking order. You can’t type Saliba’s name in anywhere without a series of appraisals from journalists and coaches attached.

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The Frenchman is clearly benefiting from consistent first-team football and Arsenal look destined to reap the rewards next season. After it had a feeling that we would not see Saliba in Arsenal colours, with his high-level performances and the claims of a north London return, the Gunners are going to have one of the best young centre-back’s on the continent looking to stake a claim in the first team next season.

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