Last week, an Arsenal specialist took stock of William Saliba’s situation with the Gunners. It was about very stiff competition in central defense and a former Green not yet ready for the Premier League requirement at just 19 years old. A loan was in the pipes this summer, preferably to ASSE, but the Saint-Etienne leaders having refused the London demands, the case collapsed. This does not prevent some in Forez from dreaming of a second chance in January.
Not used to playing high on the pitch
But according to reports from England, a return of the native of Bondy on the side of Geoffroy-Guichard has lead in the wing. And not just because the leaders of the two camps have not got along very well since this summer. In fact, it’s a tactical consideration that could coach William Saliba to new horizons.
As a follower of Pep Guardiola, Mikel Arteta preaches high pressing, with a team block positioned in the opposing part of the field. This implies that the defense evolves close to the central circle. However, it has not escaped the fact that this is not a tactic in force at AS Saint-Etienne. Unaccustomed to evolving far from his goals, Saliba would find it difficult to play high. The interest for Arsenal would therefore be to lend him in a team playing in the same way. What Claude Puel clearly does not do at ASSE …
Couple things to consider when you say – why don’t we just play Saliba
– He’s still a kid
– He’s recently lost his mother
– New country
– New league
– New club
– New system of play
– Didn’t play high line at ASSE
– Higher expectations at Arsenal– You Are My Arsenal (@YouAreMyArsenal) October 26, 2020