William Saliba put in a shift and a half as France eliminated Portugal in the quarterfinals of the Euros. Despite not scoring a single goal from open play, France find themselves in the final four, and Les Bleus have their solid defensive line to thank! Saliba has been crucial to Didier Deschamps‘ side in Germany, dropping commendable performances on every single outing for Les Bleus.
His breathtaking display at the back as France eliminated Portugal caught the attention of fans on social media. His statistics against the men in red paired with his displays throughout the tournament give fans every reason to feel that they are in ‘safe’ hands. Surprisingly, Saliba is yet to concede a goal from open play at the Euros.
On Friday night against Portugal, Saliba completed 48 of 49 passes attempted. He also had 8 crucial clearances and 2 blocks over the 120 minutes played. The 23-year-old also made 4 important ball recoveries while also creating a chance going forward.
What a beast 🔥
— 𝕽𝖚𝖙𝖙𝖔 (@ezrandez) July 5, 2024His comfortable display against Cristiano Ronaldo was one of the biggest moments of the tournament for the player.
Fans react to William Saliba’s monumental defensive display against Portugal
France have their backline to thank for their spot in the semi-final of the 2024 Euros in Germany. Despite not scoring a single goal from open play, France are in the semi-finals and will take on Spain on the 9th of July. Following the game, fans heaped praise on William Saliba and his defensive counterparts as France celebrated their semi-final spot.
A fan commented that Saliba is a defender any team would kill to have in their backline. Many labeled him as a ‘monster’ for keeping out Cristiano Ronaldo and making him near ineffective over 120 minutes. Many laughed at how Ibrahima Konate will have to ride the bench for the rest of his playing days and will have to wait until either Saliba or Dayot Upamecano is out with an injury.
William Saliba has kept same number of clean sheets with his country at International big tournaments as Virgil van Dijk in his career. 🤯 pic.twitter.com/O2DA0YlkS6
— AfcVIP⁴⁹ (@VipArsenal) July 5, 2024Pure consistency
— Somto_Afc 🇳🇿🇳🇬🇬🇭 (@udeze_jr) July 5, 2024William Saliba is rock solid. What a player❤️
One of the best CB at the moment🇫🇷
— Imran Rafiq (@ImranRafiq27) July 5, 2024He was a beast he is … no trouble at all. I really pray he stays fit.
— Shukuru+ (@DavidcharlesTz) July 6, 2024Fans had no doubt that Saliba is one of the best centre backs at the moment and that his contribution to France’s success cannot be ignored. Arsenal fans however, were not surprised by the 23-year-old’s brilliance, as they are used to seeing the player week in, week out. Some hadn’t forgiven Didier Deschamps for keeping Saliba on the bench for so long ahead of the tournament.
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