Didier Deschamps has handled William Saliba very well, says William Gallas.
The French manager has used Saliba sparingly in recent months but named the Arsenal defender to France's starting XI in their 1-0 victory over Austria at Euro 2024 earlier this week.
Deschamps drew some criticism for not starting Saliba more frequently before the start of the tournament, especially given the 23-year-old's form with the Premier League runners-up.
However, Gallas praised Deschamps for practising patience in fully integrating his namesake into France's starting lineup, stating that Saliba needed to be eased into the spotlight that comes with being a stalwart with Les Bleus.
“Deschamps has been very clever with his management of William Saliba," Gallas told Prime Casino. "He resisted the urge to put him into the team straight away and has eased him into the team. When he has played in friendly games over the last year or two, he has made mistakes.
“I think it’s excellent management of the player. He’s taken his time, given him some tough love, and now he is ready to start for France. He has been performing very well for Arsenal for the last two seasons – he didn’t miss a game last season – but I also think that Deschamps wanted Saliba to understand there is a difference between playing well for your club and playing well for your country. At Arsenal, he doesn’t have the same competition as he does with the national team, he has had to earn Deschamps' trust gradually.”
Gallas, himself a retired former Arsenal and France defender, believes Saliba is now ready to become a cornerstone of the French defence for years to come.
“This tournament is William Saliba’s first major international tournament as a starting player," he said. "It is a massive test and a massive opportunity for him. Everything is in his hands. He needs to perform like he has done for Arsenal all season to keep his place in the starting eleven.
“When you’re given the opportunity to start for a nation like France, where you could cement your place in the team for the next ten years if you play at your level, you have to take it. This is a different type of pressure for him to deal with. He has to be ready for it. I hope he rises to the challenge and takes the opportunity that is in front of him.”
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