Emmanuel Petit has called for one key Arsenal player to ‘step up’ during Euro 2024.
Arsenal have a total of 11 players at this month’s tournament in Germany and many are expected to play key roles.
The likes of Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, Jorginho and Jakub Kiwior all look set to be pivotal for their respective countries after an excellent season for the Gunners.
Yet, one of Arsenal’s most important players, William Saliba, is yet to nail down his place as a starter at international level.
France boss Didier Deschamps has often preferred Dayot Upamecano and Ibrahima Konate over the centre-back.
Kylian Mbappe recently lauded Saliba as ‘one of the best’ in the Premier League but the Arsenal star has managed just eight starts for Les Bleus.
And Emmanuel Petit feels Saliba needs to grab any opportunity that may come his way during Euro 2024.
Petit delivers William Saliba verdict
With Saliba failing to impress during warm-up games ahead of the Euros, the 22-year-old looks unlikely to start in France’s opener against Austria tomorrow.
The £27 million defender was handed a rare international start against Canada last weekend.
Now, Petit has been speaking to The Sun [16/06, page 12] and claimed Saliba must prove Deschamps wrong.
“It is time for him to step up and to take the opportunity,” the former Arsenal man said. “I don’t know if he will get minutes but if he does, he has to grab it.
“He has to show Deschamps he was wrong with what he said about him. Saying he is a good player but he makes some mistakes, not being happy with some elements of his games.
“We all didn’t understand what he said because Saliba is probably one of the best central defenders in Europe.”
What Deschamps has said about Arsenal star Saliba
It’s no secret that Deschamps hasn’t exactly given Saliba an extended run in the France side after previously criticising the Arsenal star.
But ahead of Euro 2024, the French boss was full of praise for Saliba, labelling him one of the best defenders in England’s top flight.
“William is one of the very best defenders in the Premier League. I want him to do what he does very well at Arsenal. He had a very, very good season,” he told The Athletic.
“He played many matches, especially with his partner Gabriel, and they were a fundamental part of what Arsenal did this season, particularly in the defensive aspect.
“With us, he has not had the same playing time. There are automatisms which develop through playing matches together. You have repetition and understanding.
“With a national team, we always have so little time, but now they have the possibility of living together for a few weeks and that is even better.”
It’s clear that Deschamps isn’t yet convinced by Saliba at international level and you can’t help but feel that it is ultimately France’s loss.
