Some Arsenal fans are lavishing praise on William Saliba’s latest performance.
The 20-year-old defender had by far the biggest test of his burgeoning career tonight.
Saliba, loaned by Arsenal to Marseille for the 2021-22 campaign, knew he was coming up against arguably the world’s finest offensive line.
The Gunners prospect squared off against Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Neymar as Paris Saint-Germain visited the Velodrome tonight.
But the big centre-back wound up keeping a clean sheet in spite of the star-studded quality of his opponents.
And one reason why it was a clean sheet is the man himself, who executed a perfectly-timed challenge on Mbappe late on to stop the jet-heeled French striker – whom he kept up with in a race – from firing Mauricio Pochettino’s side ahead.
Saliba has to be in the squad next year. He’s pocketing Mbappe on every PSG attack – what a player. Guendouzi (on the other hand) can stay at Marseille until retirement. Better yet, let’s sell him and go all in for Bissouma. #Arsenal #AFC
— Karl Tegha 🧢 (@KTFit_7) October 24, 2021
Saliba been pocketing Mbappe but apparently not good for us smh
— Stupendous Supermalt™ (@SoloBokz) October 24, 2021
I’ve watched almost every Marseille game. Saliba’s passing is top level. Hope this helps
— #DictetaOUT (@artetaoutera) October 24, 2021
Saliba just made an incredible tackle on Mbappe who was through on goal. Cannot wait for him to play for Arsenal next season
— Scauldy Ste (@ckyhellion) October 24, 2021
I wonder why a faction of the Arsenal fanbase is hating on Saliba despite him playing well. Makes you wonder why 🤔
— 🙃 (@HeirToWenger) October 24, 2021
MOCKERY
It has to be said that Saliba – named in the Ligue 1 Team of the Week this past Tuesday – is making a mockery of Mikel Arteta’s judgement.
If he can play a big role in silencing a player like Mbappe, one of the world’s finest, then he’s more than good enough for Arsenal.
The fact that Saliba joined the North Londoners over two years ago and hasn’t made a competitive appearance is truly wild.
But fortunately for the Gunners, Marseille, who do have an obligatory option to purchase option for Matteo Guendouzi, don’t have the option to sign Saliba outright come next summer.
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