Brilliant Arsenal star ‘to be big surprise’ at the World Cup – fans told

by admin · Published 17 November 2022 · Updated 17 November 2022

Arsenal defender William Saliba could be a ‘big surprise’ for France at the World Cup, according to former Man United star Mikael Silvestre.

Last summer Arsenal made the decision to bring Saliba back to the Emirates after he had a stunning season over in Ligue 1 – and since his move back- he has been one of the best performers at the club

Saliba has been rewarded for his impressive performances with a call-up to France’s squad for their World Cup campaign in Qatar.

And When asked to name his standout Arsenal players at the World Cup, Saliba told Betting Expert: ‘Maybe Saliba because now Kimpembe is out.

‘I think he’s got a real chance to start with Varane. That would be the continuity to his season.

‘I think he could be a big surprise and continue at the level he’s been showing in the Premier League.’

Silvestre also believes France’s lack of experience with key players injured could hinder their chances in Qatar.

‘Pogba, Kante and Kimpembe are out. That’s three starters from the final in 2018 and in positions that we are not really strong,’ Silvestre said.

‘We don’t have an established backup or a plan B in those positions. Rabiot is just having the best season of his four years at Juventus.

‘Tchouameni was very good in Ligue 1 but still not many caps. We have some questions in terms of where the team is at. Also, qualification wasn’t great. So, I’m not as confident as a year ago maybe, a year or two ago, due to the lack of form and key players missing.

‘But we know we have great quality, especially at the front with Benzema, Dembele, Coman, Griezmann, Giroud, Mbappe.

‘The way we approach tournaments like this with Didier Deschamps, we know we are quite defensive. I believe now we might be struggling defensively so we will see. It’s tragic because we don’t have games to prepare and have an idea of what’s coming and how we are going to perform. It’s strange but I guess it’s the same for everyone.’

Top Read: £56M star OFFICIALLY admits he is keen to join Arsenal in January

LOVE ARSENAL? CLICK RIGHT HERE FOR ALL THE LATEST NEWS AND GOSSIP