THE TAULIERS OF THE BLUE (1/6). In their quest for a third star, the Blues can count on executives, pillars, captains who embody the next generation of an ambitious French team. Today, it’s time for William Saliba, the unstoppable central defender who wants to make this World Cup his big moment.
As the French team’s entry into the 2026 World Cup approaches, William Saliba is one of the essential faces of the Blues. His market value is the highest among central defenders in the world, his status at Arsenal has never been so important and Didier Deschamps counts on him as one of the pillars of his selection.
His state of form will nevertheless need to be monitored, he who is not at 100% due to back discomfort. RMC Sport looks back at William Saliba’s journey with the Blues, which was anything but smooth sailing.
Learn, observe, wait…
When the defender was called up for the first time for the France A team in the spring of 2022, he was only 21 years old. At the time, he had a remarkable season at Olympique de Marseille, where he was on loan from Arsenal. Didier Deschamps then looked for new solutions and notably experimented with a system with three defenders. Saliba discovers the very high international level.
In front of him, the competition is immense. There are world champions, executives who have been established for years. Raphaël Varane is still the reference for the position. Presnel Kimpembe already has solid international experience. The young defender must learn, observe and be patient.
The requirement of Didier Deschamps
Those who closely observed Saliba’s debut with the Blues say that the coach never hesitated to take on his young defender, sometimes publicly, in front of the group. A placement to be corrected, an intervention too risky, a recovery deemed unnecessarily complicated. Details that are not at the highest level.
Because Saliba already has this natural elegance which impresses. A rare ease with the ball. But Deschamps wants more. More efficiency. More rigor. More control in each defensive gesture.
With hindsight, the main person no longer hides his gratitude to his coach. The remarks sometimes stung, but they helped shape the player he became.
A 2022 World Cup to grow
A few months after his first call-up, William Saliba played in the World Cup in Qatar. His role is that of a replacement, necessarily frustrating for a competitor of his caliber. But the defender accepts his situation. He observes. He gains experience. And above all, he quickly finds his place in the life of the group.
At this time, he spent a lot of time with Mattéo Guendouzi, his former partner in Marseille. The two men are close and this complicity facilitates the adventure in Qatar where he was unable to express himself on the field. While the Blues advance to the final, Saliba continues his silent learning. Without noise. Without qualms.
Euro 2024, the tournament of revelation
Two years later, the situation has changed radically. At Euro 2024, William Saliba establishes himself as an indisputable starter. Match after match, he displays impressive serenity. His sense of anticipation, his quality of recovery and his ability to defend large spaces appeal to observers and opponents.
The Blues finally stopped in the semi-final against Spain, but the defender emerged from the competition stronger. To the point of joining the typical team of the tournament. A consecration which confirms its rise in power.
Within the French staff, his performances impress. His progress has exceeded the most optimistic expectations. The man who timidly discovered the France group two years earlier is now considered one of the best defenders on the continent. An evolution which corresponds perfectly to his rise with Arsenal, where he established himself as one of the leaders of the London locker room.
In the French team, Saliba is not one of the most talkative players. But his discretion has never been synonymous with self-effacement. His partners describe a player appreciated by all, calm, calm and rarely destabilized by events. A personality that fits perfectly with his style on the pitch. A quiet strength.
A physical alert to watch out for before the World Cup
At the dawn of France’s entry into the 2026 World Cup, however, everything is not perfect. William Saliba is coming off the best season of his career. Arsenal have just won the Premier League and reached the Champions League final. An exceptional campaign which has definitively established him among the world references in his position.
But for several weeks, the defender has been dealing with persistent discomfort in his back. According to our information, it all started with a shock suffered during contact in the championship around two months ago. Since then, the Frenchman has played with a permanent feeling of discomfort. He is not completely comfortable in certain movements but continues to grit his teeth.
At this stage, no operation is planned. On the Arsenal side, the priority remains care, workload management and daily medical monitoring. The French team adopts the same line. The defender is considered operational, even if he is probably not at 100% of his capabilities. He did not participate in the first two training sessions with the group.
However, nothing that could call into question its participation in the 2026 World Cup. But enough to require particular attention throughout the competition. Because from now on, William Saliba is no longer a hopeful apprentice. He became one of the bosses of the Blues.
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