Didier Deschamps defends limited role for Arsenal’s Saliba in France national team

France national team coach, Didier Deschamps has justified his cautious approach towards Arsenal’s William Saliba, citing areas of improvement and a competitive hierarchy within the squad.

Despite Saliba’s stellar performances for Arsenal, where he has been pivotal in their defensive solidity alongside Gabriel Magalhaes, the 23-year-old has found opportunities scarce on the international stage.

With Dayot Upamecano, Ibrahima Konate, and Benjamin Pavard preferred ahead of him, Saliba has often been relegated to the bench or overlooked entirely, starting in just two of France’s last 18 games.

Deschamps acknowledged Saliba’s talent but pointed out certain aspects of his game that require refinement.

While Saliba is set to feature against Chile on Tuesday in a rotated lineup, Deschamps emphasized the need for patience and highlighted the importance of confidence and game time in a player’s development.

“He [Saliba] is having a good season, but he also does things that I don’t like so much,” Deschamps said at his pre-match press conference on Monday.

“For France, he has limited game time, but when he plays, that hasn’t necessarily gone well.

“The hierarchy doesn’t favour him at the moment, but he is here. Dayot Upamecano has had game time and perhaps William has had less.

“Some don’t have any concerns, some need game time. William has had less game time, so that doesn’t allow him to be very calm.”