Mathieu Debuchy and Yohan Cabaye praised William Saliba this week, after the centre-back’s return from injury with Saint-Etienne.
Both Mathieu Debuchy and Yohan Cabaye had positives things to say about William Saliba this week. The centre-back spent around two-and-a-half months out, before holding medical tests with Arsenal last month to assess his capacity for a return.
After that, the 18-year-old returned to match action. He performed excellently in his first game back, as Saint-Etienne kept a clean sheet against Monaco. Then, he and the team had more trouble in his first defeat of the campaign to FC Metz.
Regardless, former Gunner Debuchy claims he’s really happy with the defender’s improvement and for his future.
“He’s a great player,” Debuchy said. “I’m so happy for him to play next season for a big club like Arsenal. He improves every game and I think he is a great player.
“He’s strong with good technique. He’s quick. I think he has a lot of quality to play at Arsenal.”
As for Cabaye, the ex-Newcastle man suggested Arsenal could be a good destination for Saliba.
“He’s like a big man – he’s only 18 but he’s like a big man,” Cabaye added. “The way he plays, him and Wesley Fofana are both fantastic. The future looks bright for them and I hope they continue in the same way.
“He’s strong and hopefully, he will adapt himself really quickly. In a club like Arsenal with French players, I think he can do really well.”
How has the season gone so far?
Unfortunately, injuries remain the central headline for Saliba’s campaign so far. He began the season with a hamstring problem, keeping him out until late September. Then, just seven games after his return, he picked up a metatarsal fracture.
Now, he’s back and playing again. In the nine games he did feature in this season, he helped his team to five wins, three draws and just one defeat. They also kept five clean sheets along the way.
Saliba just has to stay fit for the remainder of the season. Saint-Etienne are next in action tonight against second-place Marseille.