William Saliba says starting at the World Cup for France is a dream for him as he continues his fine form for Premier League leaders Arsenal.
Three years after his £25m move from St Etienne, the centre-back has finally broken into the Gunners’ first team, starting all seven of Arsenal’s Premier League matches so far this season and scoring twice – most recently in their 3-0 win over Brentford on Super Sunday.
Saliba has been called up to the France squad for the Nations League matches against Austria and Denmark this month, having already been capped five times by Didier Deschamps – and the 21-year-old is targeting a starting spot when the World Cup kicks off in November.
“When you represent your country it’s amazing,” Saliba exclusively told Sky Sports Super Sunday Matchday last week.
“My dream is to play in the World Cup with my country and I hope I will be in the team for the World Cup.”
Saliba has been backed by Brentford manager Thomas Frank to become a starting defender for France, after watching him score against his side at the weekend.
“I must say Saliba, ooft! He’s going to be a full international player for France, I’m sure,” Frank said in his post-match press conference. “He’ll play in the starting line-up soon for that national team and that’s a strong national team.”
Saliba’s competition at centre-back for France includes Manchester United defender Raphael Varane, Barcelona’s Jules Kounde, Dayot Upamecano of Bayern Munich and Monaco’s uncapped Benoit Badiashile.
The likes of Clement Lenglet, Kurt Zouma, Presnel Kimpembe and Ibrahima Konate have also been called up by Les Bleus in recent months. – Sky Sports
