Frank Leboeuf criticizes France coach Deschamps over treatment of Arsenal star

Former France World Cup winner, Frank Leboeuf has criticized Didier Deschamps for not playing Arsenal defender William Saliba consistently.

Saliba has been in impressive form for Arsenal this season but Deschamps has started him only twice in France’s last 18 matches.

Saliba was left on the bench for France’s friendly 2-0 defeat to Germany on Saturday but is expected to feature in their next friendly against Chile on Tuesday night.

However, in the build-up to that game, Deschamps drew criticism for comments he made about the Arsenal defender.

Leboeuf believes Deschamps must find the right defensive pairing for France, and feels that Saliba should be a regular starter due to his strong performances.

“Didier has to find the right four players to play as defenders. When he does so, we will be very strong,” Leboeuf told ESPN.

“I don’t understand why Saliba isn’t playing all the time.”