Report: Didier Deschamps has seen two big weaknesses in Arsenal defender William Saliba

Although Arsenal defender William Saliba is now in favour with France manager Didier Deschamps, it certainly hasn’t always been the case. 

Heading into Euro 2024, it was widely reported that Saliba would be on the bench in Germany, playing a backup role to Dayot Upamecano and Ibrahima Konate.

However, Deschamps seemed to make a last-minute decision to include Saliba as his left-sided centre-back, a role he hasn’t played under Mikel Arteta.

Although, given his quality the change hasn’t been a problem for the Frenchman, who has only furthered his growing reputation.

At 23-years-old, Saliba is rightfully regarded as one of the best defenders in world football – a player Arsenal must win trophies with.

That being said, hailing Saliba as France’s most important player, ESPN have shared some details on why Deschamps was previously so hesitant to start the Arsenal man. 

Under Arteta’s guidance, Saliba isn’t considered to have any weaknesses, demonstrated by the fact that he played every single Premier League minute last season.

However, Deschamps did have his doubts, believing that Saliba lacked focus on the pitch.

France manager Deschamps thinks Saliba is weak in one versus one situations

Not only did the France manager doubt Saliba’s mental credentials, but he also thought the defender needed to be more ruthless in one versus one situations.

The report states that Saliba didn’t take the criticism personally, instead he was determined to change Deschamps’ mind.

The duo has a long discussion during their pre-Euro camp and at the end of it Saliba was convinced he could win over his manager, as he’s evidently done.

Of course, Saliba and his France teammates will face Spain in Tuesday’s first semi-final.

And Arsenal fans watching may be keeping an eye on how Saliba deals with Spanish winger Nico Williams.

Williams is Arteta’s preferred attacking signing at Arsenal this summer, a player who is also being chased by Barcelona.

The 21-year-old is immensely talented, the kind of ‘x-factor’ player Arteta’s team was thought to be missing in some moments last season.

Perhaps Williams is envisioned to compete with Gabriel Martinelli on the left side of Arsenal’s attack should he come to north London.

And to that end, Arteta is said to want to play Riccardo Calafiori in an entirely new role should he sign for Arsenal in the coming days.