Shortly before Arsenal made it two wins from two in the Europa League on Thursday evening, summer signing William Saliba made his first start of the season for Saint-Etienne, and Gunners fans were eager to see how he did.
The Frenchman, who had been out injured with a groin problem which required surgery in the summer, made a first appearance off the bench last weekend before being handed his start against Wolfsburg.
Saliba helped Saint-Etienne to a 1-1 draw and showed his versatility against the Bundesliga side.
@LtArsenal kept a close eye on the Frenchman, providing this analysis on the central defender’s performance.
Twitter: Saliba very athletic player, will easily be our most athletic CB next season. #Salibawatch (@ltarsenal)
Twitter: Saliba really did not have much to do this half. Early signs are he’s athletic, likes to step out to intercept and… https://t.co/zuWwaw9FQo (@ltarsenal)
Former Arsenal full-back Mathieu Debuchy came off on the hour mark, so Saliba switched over to the right in his absence.
Twitter: Debuchy subbed off, Saliba now playing right back. #Salibawatch (@ltarsenal)
Twitter: He looks pretty comfortable there too. Very calm on the ball and physically outplaying Wolfsburg’s left wing back.… https://t.co/rr3HRH1fpA (@ltarsenal)
Twitter: Saliba completed 90 mins today against Wolfsburg, as ASSE drew 1-1. Wolfsburg hardly threatened, Saliba din’t have… https://t.co/BQPZKH6PUL (@ltarsenal)
Twitter: Some qualities of Saliba highlighted from this game: Very physical, athletic, steps out whenever he can to intercep… https://t.co/CyE4hxRJB4 (@ltarsenal)
And following the brilliant analysis of Saliba’s first start of the campaign, these Arsenal fans were left excited.
Twitter: @ltarsenal Also good sign if we ever decide to go with a back three which would be enticing with Rob, Saliba and Da… https://t.co/og2ZXf9AO0 (@youngbr2002)
Twitter: @ltarsenal Saliba-Holdini #SalibaWatch (@BamfiAkyeampong)
Twitter: Saliba looking solid under pressure so far in St. Etienne vs Wolfsburg (@GoonerCap)
Read Arsenal verdict
It’s good to see Saliba back in action, with the defender seemingly over his abductor issues.
Arsenal officials obviously rate the teenager highly, otherwise, they wouldn’t have forked out £27 million over the summer, and the defnder showed glimpses of what he can do.
He’ll now be looking for a run of games with the Ligue 1 side, and if he can continue to catch the eye, he could be in line to become a key figure at the back in north London next season.
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