In the world of football, there are plenty of young, talented players who capture the attention and admiration of fans and experts alike. Two such players are William Saliba and Kylian Mbappe, both hailing from France. While Mbappe has already established himself as a superstar in the sport, Saliba is still relatively unknown to many. However, in recent years, Saliba has been garnering attention for his impressive performances on the pitch, leading many to question whether he is more important than Mbappe for the French national team.
But before we answer that question, let us first understand who Saliba is and how he has risen to prominence.
Who is Saliba?
William Saliba is a 20-year-old French professional footballer who plays as a defender for Ligue 1 club Marseille on loan from Arsenal. He began his youth career at AS Bondy before joining Saint-Etienne’s academy in 2016. He made his professional debut for Saint-Etienne in 2018 and quickly established himself as a key player for the team. In 2019, he signed with Arsenal for a reported fee of £27 million, becoming the most expensive teenage defender in the world at the time.
He is recognized for his robust physicality, speed, and proficiency in aerial play, establishing him as a formidable defensive presence
Saliba’s style of play is often compared to that of French legend Raphael Varane. He is known for his strong physical presence, speed, and aerial ability, making him a formidable force in defense. His composure and passing accuracy are also notable traits, making him a well-rounded player at such a young age.
Now that we have a basic understanding of Saliba, let us dive into why he is considered more important than Mbappe for the French national team.
Saliba’s Importance in the French National Team Performance at Euro 2024
The summer of 2024 saw France’s national team competing in the European Championship, with high hopes of bringing home the trophy once again. And like any other major tournament, all eyes were on the star-studded French squad, including Mbappe, Griezmann, and Pogba. But it was Saliba who caught the attention of many, with his impressive performances throughout the tournament.
Saliba has maintained his impressive form from the Premier League into the tournament. He has been a key player in France’s strong defense, only conceding one goal before the semi-finals (a penalty by Lewandowski). His contribution in keeping top-class strikers at bay has been vital for the team’s success. In fact, he had the highest number of clearances and interceptions among all defenders in the tournament.
Dominance Against Top Strikers
One of the most significant factors that make Saliba more important than Mbappe is his dominance against top strikers. Throughout the tournament, he has been pitted against some of the world’s best attackers, such as Arnautovic, Depay, Lewandowski, Lukaku, and Ronaldo. And none of them managed to dribble past him successfully.
His physical presence and composure during one-on-one situations have proven to be crucial for the French team. He has not only contained these top strikers but also kept them from creating any significant chances. This has given the rest of the team the confidence to push forward and attack, knowing that their defense is in safe hands with Saliba.
Crucial Role in Defense
Another reason why Saliba is more important than Mbappe is his crucial role in the French team’s defense. As mentioned earlier, Saliba’s exceptional defensive skills have been pivotal for the team’s success in the Euro 2024 tournament. This was evident in their quarter-final match against Portugal, where Saliba played a crucial role in keeping their star forward Cristiano Ronaldo in check.
Another factor that underscores Saliba’s significance is his pivotal role in the French team’s defense
In the 18th minute of the game, Ronaldo was on a solo run towards the French goal when Saliba made a perfectly timed tackle to dispossess him. This not only prevented a potential goal but also showcased Saliba’s ability to read the game and make crucial interventions. This exemplifies his importance in the defense and how his absence would be significantly felt by the team.
Doubts and Rejections: Saliba’s Journey to the Top
Despite his current importance, Saliba’s journey to success has not been without its doubts and rejections. Both Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and France’s national team coach Didier Deschamps initially had their doubts about Saliba. When Saliba joined Arsenal in 2019, he was immediately loaned back to Saint-Etienne for the 2019-2020 season. However, when he returned to Arsenal in 2020, he failed to make a single appearance for the team.
Similarly, he was also excluded from the French squad for the Euro 2020 tournament, with Deschamps citing lack of experience as the reason. But Saliba did not let these doubts and rejections discourage him. Instead, he continued to work hard and improve his skills, leading to his impressive performance at the Euro 2024 tournament.
Key Player: Saliba Surpasses Mbappe and Griezmann in Importance
Now a vital part of Les Bleus, Saliba is considered the most important player for the team, surpassing the importance of Mbappe and Griezmann. While both Mbappe and Griezmann are undoubtedly talented players and essential for the team’s success, Saliba’s contributions in defense cannot be ignored. In fact, many experts argue that Saliba’s presence and performances have allowed Mbappe and Griezmann to shine in the attacking department without worrying too much about their defensive duties.
While Mbappe and Griezmann can be substituted with other skilled players, Saliba’s absence would create a notable gap in the French defense
Moreover, the French team has plenty of attacking options, but not many solid defenders like Saliba. This makes him even more valuable to the team. While Mbappe and Griezmann can be replaced with other talented players, Saliba’s absence would leave a significant void in the French defense.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is safe to say that Saliba’s importance for the French national team goes beyond his age and experience. His exceptional performances at the Euro 2024 tournament have proven that he is not only a talented player but also a crucial one for the team’s success. Despite initial doubts and rejections, Saliba has risen to become the most important player for Les Bleus, surpassing the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann. And with his talents and determination, there is no doubt that he will continue to make a significant impact on the sport in the years to come.
