- William Saliba left on the bench during France’s 2-0 loss to Germany
- The Arsenal defender has only started two of France’s last 18 games.
- Ian Ladyman: Why I’m glad England lost to Brazil – Listen to the podcast Everything is Beginning
<!–
<!–
<!–
<!–
<!–
<!–
French World Cup winner Frank Leboeuf questioned Didier Deschamps for snubbing William Saliba.
The 23-year-old has been one of Arsenal’s biggest stars this season, with the Gunners in strong contention to win both the Premier League and Champions League.
Saliba was left on the bench by Deschamps during France’s 2-0 defeat to Germany on Saturday, with Dayot Upamecano and Benjamin Pavard starting at the heart of the defence.
This means Saliba has started only two of France’s last 18 matches.
Leboeuf, who was a teammate of Deschamps when they won the 98 World Cup in France, said that Saliba is the “best defender in the world.”
William Saliba has started just two of France’s last 18 games under Didier Deschamps.
Saliba has struggled to break into Deschamps’ starting XI as others are favored over him.
Frank Leboeuf (seen lifting Deschamps after France’s Euro 2000 win) questioned his former teammate for not starting the “best defender in the world.”
When asked if Saliba is France’s strongest defender, he told ESPN: “Yes, I agree.” That’s a real question for me. I don’t understand why Saliba doesn’t play all the time.
“He showed the world that he is the best defender in the world at the moment, well, the best French defender at the moment playing for a big club.
“I don’t know why he doesn’t play there. He’s absolutely tremendous. He should deserve the chance to prove it at that level.”
France is one of the favorites to win the Euro this summer, along with England and Portugal.
Leboeuf feels his weakest area of the team is the defence, as Deschamps “wonders who is the best duo in central defence”.
He said: “Didier has to find the four right players to play as defenders.” When it does, we will be very strong.”
Deschamps explained Saliba’s absence in a critical assessment of the Arsenal defender.
“He’s having a good season, but he also does things that I don’t like very much,” Deschamps told reporters at a pre-match press conference on Monday.
The defender’s superb form for Arsenal this season is in stark contrast to his struggles at Les Blues.
Deschamps believes Saliba has yet to impress during his appearances for his country
Dayot Upamecano and Benjamin Pavard started over Saliba in defense against Germany
“For France, he has limited playing time, but when he plays, he hasn’t necessarily done well.
‘The hierarchy does not favor him at the moment, but he is here. Dayot Upamecano has had playing time and perhaps William has had less.
“With some players I make sure to persevere, because it can be confidence or small blocks that can change.
‘Some don’t have any worries, others need playing time. “William has had less playing time, which doesn’t allow him to be very calm.”
Meanwhile, Ibrahima Konate, who has missed Liverpool’s last three games with a hamstring injury, will take part in France’s friendly against Chile on Tuesday night as he steps up his recovery.
