FRANCE World Cup winner Marcel Desailly has apologised to William Saliba, admitting he underestimated the Arsenal defender but reckons he is now a “world-class player”.
Saliba, 24, has earned a reputation as one of Europe’s best centre-backs in recent seasons, playing at the heart of an almost impenetrable defence.
Marcel Desailly has apologised to William Saliba for underestimating the defenderCredit: Getty
Saliba has been labelled as ‘world-class’ by DesaillyCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
But Desailly, who made 116 appearances for during his career, didn’t always think his compatriot would reach such heights.
He told Card Player: “I have to apologise to , because I never saw this level of performance coming.
“I looked at him when he first joined Arsenal and I didn’t see him becoming a world-class player – that was a huge misjudgement!
“He has shown leadership, consistency and he has such a high ceiling; we haven’t even seen the best of him yet.”
Saliba joined Arsenal for £27m in 2019 as an 18-year-old, needing loans at Saint Etienne, and Marseille to find his feet before earning a spot in Mikel Arteta’s side.
Since getting the nod from Arteta, Saliba has been named in the PFA Team of the Year for three consecutive seasons.
Desailly explained how he feels “proud” of Saliba for “cementing himself” in Arteta’s team over the last few years, and he reckons it’s not just Arsenal that stand to benefit from the cool-headed centre-half either, but the French national team too.
He added: “He’s helped take the Gunners to the next level and allowed them to challenge for major trophies.
“France are so lucky to have him too; they can rely on a brilliant centre-back in him at the upcoming World Cup.
“He’s a really valuable asset to both his club and country, and I look forward to seeing how good he can become.”
Saliba’s impressive form has helped put Arsenal in pole position in the Premier League, sitting seven points clear of title rivals Manchester City – as well as leading the group phase and remaining in both domestic cup competitions.
However, Desailly – who won the , and Uefa Super Cup with – has warned that Arsenal need to be wary that the Prem is “far from over” yet.
He explained: “The Premier League is far from over and stranger things have happened in – that’s what makes it such an amazing game.
“Arsenal need to be careful by not becoming too distracted by the Champions League or other domestic competitions like the FA Cup.
“They can’t afford to lose any key games that might knock the wind out of their sails, such as their match this weekend against .”
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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