France’s media deliver brutal verdict on Arsenal star William Saliba after what he did vs Israel

Arsenal star William Saliba started for France in their 4-1 win over Israel in the Nations League.

Les Bleus have had their problems in recent months. Didier Deschamps hasn’t quite been able to get the best out of his side, but they still managed to pick up a win on Thursday night.

Goals from Eduardo Camavinga, Christopher Nkunku, former Arsenal star Matteo Guendouzi and Bradley Barcola sealed the victory for France.

But, Saliba has received some criticism for his role in Israel’s goal at the Bozsik Arena in Budapest.

What French media are saying about Arsenal star William Saliba’s performance vs Israel

Saliba is one of the best defenders in world football right now.

The Frenchman has been absolutely incredible in Arsenal’s colours over the last two years. He has barely put a foot wrong and has impressed everybody.

However, things haven’t quite gone so smoothly with France.

It took a while for Saliba to earn Deschamps’ trust. The Arsenal man finally cemented a place in the team and was mostly brilliant at Euro 2024.

However, there have been occasions where Saliba has made mistakes in France’s colours, and the country’s media outlets feel he made another one against Israel.

Omri Gandelman equalised for Israel in the 24th minute with a header on Thursday night. The attacker managed to get in behind Saliba and had all the time in the world to score.

An argument can be made that Theo Hernandez should’ve been closer to Gandelman, but Saliba is the one who has received criticism for his role in the goal.

90min in France gave him a 5/10 rating and wrote: “The tricolour defence was not greatly shaken in this meeting. Yet, yet, William Saliba didn’t shine.

“On the Israeli goal, the defender of Arsenal does not really follow his marking and leaves Omri Gandelman completely alone to place his header.”

La Voix Du Nord gave Saliba a 4/10 rating and said: “Only one mistake but that costs a goal. He is surprised behind his back and lets go of Gandelman for Israel’s equaliser.

“For the rest, he won all his duels and was serious.”

A look at Saliba’s stats vs Israel

It’s a shame that Saliba is being heavily criticised for Israel’s goal because he had a very solid game apart from that moment.

Yes, the Frenchman probably should’ve done better, but he wasn’t the only one at fault either.

However, despite that error, Saliba’s stats against Israel, especially on the ball, are very, very impressive and proves why he is among the best in the world.

In his 90 minutes on the pitch, Saliba had 102 touches of the ball and completed 95 of his 98 attempted passes, maintaining a stunning 97 per cent passing accuracy.

Saliba also didn’t make a single foul during the game and wasn’t dribbled past once either. He added a tackle and an interception to his name too. (Sofascore)

It was a more-than-decent performance from Saliba, but because he is regarded as the best defender in the world, his mistake will be highlighted more than the good things he did.