William Saliba: How the Frenchman fits into Arsenal

William Saliba joined Arsenal in July 2019, yet the 21-year-old has still not made a professional appearance for the club.

After signing from Saint-Etienne, where he spent the following season on loan, Arsenal fans were excited to see a player with Saliba’s potential joining the club.

At the time of Saliba signing for Arsenal, the north London club’s central-defensive options were not in strong abundance. David Luiz, Sokratis and Shkodran Mustafi were the three key defenders, so it is clear why there was excitement around the young Frenchman signing.

Despite three different clubs on loan, this excitement has not faded. Saliba has proven his quality in Ligue 1 with Olympique de Marseille and, whilst teammate Matteo Guendouzi looks to be left behind in Arsenal’s past, Saliba could play a key role in Arsenal’s future.

But what exactly about the defender makes him so good?

Well, Saliba has some impressive traits. The physical aspect of his game is something Arsenal have been lacking in recent years. Within Gabriel Magalhaes, Arsenal have a strong central-defender, but Saliba offers competition and cover for this.

Saliba also possesses great pace. In October 2021, the Frenchman produced a last-ditch tackle on Kylian Mbappe, after catching up to the forward. The clip was shared relentlessly by Arsenal fans and, whilst this may have been a one-off against a world superstar, it showcased his talent.

Whilst on the ball, Saliba is composed. In fact, he made the most passes in recorded history of Ligue 1 this season: this is no easy feat.

So, it is clear that Saliba is good on the ball and good physically; but, what else?

There is a level of experience to his game that is usually lacking in 21-year-olds. Perhaps that was key to what Arteta was after.

Despite the announcements that Saliba had been loaned out to yet another French club seeming almost continual for Arsenal fans, it is undoubted that he has grown as a player and can come into Arteta’s side with confidence.

If Saliba is brought into the Arsenal system, he will join Gabriel, Benjamin White and Rob Holding as their main centre-defenders. This would be suited if Arsenal are to adopt a back-three; however, this seems unlikely. Nonetheless, Saliba has experience in this, though. During his time at Marseille, he played on the right-side of a back-three and in a back-four.

For now, it seems that Arteta will stick with four defenders. Kieran Tierney is the obvious choice on the left; whilst Takehiro Tomiyasu is likely to operate on the right-side. Within the centre, it is probable that Arteta will rotate the centre-backs.

As well as Premier League football, Arsenal also have Europa League football for the coming season. This offers more opportunity for rotation in the squad: but will Saliba settle for this?

As of now, only time will tell. Saliba has made it clear that he wants to play for Arsenal and the Gunners could use a centre-back like the 21-year-old: its seems like a match made in football heaven.

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