Arteta praises William Saliba impact on Arsenal debut

Karan Tejwani

• 6 Aug 2022 04:10 CDT
• 3 min read

William Saliba made an excellent debut for Arsenal last night in their 2-0 win over Crystal Palace in their season-opener at Selhurst Park.

The French defender started the match in the centre of defence alongside Gabriel, and was named Man of the Match following an impressive display at the back.

There were rumours linking Saliba with a loan move away this summer, having spent the last two campaigns away from the Emirates Stadium.

However, Arteta kept him in his plans, played him in the squad and it’s looking like a masterful decision after a fine debut performance in the Premier League.

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Arteta hails Saliba's calmness

The Gunners boss explained his decision to keep him with the squad before the match, and it has paid off: "Let him be and let him play. It’s the way he’s done it. The way we have tried to develop that player with his consent and with his knowledge.

“To sign a player at 19 and bring him back two years later is unusual and he’s been so determined and willing to come here and now prove the point that he’s ready.

“Now we are exposing the player in a really difficult environment where he can be comfortable and navigate and enjoy as well."

After the performance, Arteta spoke to the press again and praised Saliba’s calmness throughout the match, heaping credit on a mature first game for the Gunners.

"You don’t really see that at 21 years old for a debut in the Premier League against this opponent where you face difficult players and resolve the situation the way he’s done it with that composure, with that calmness and with that presence. So big credit to the boy."

Saliba signed for Arsenal in 2019, but spent the 2019-20 season on loan at Saint-Etienne, the second half of the 2020-21 season at Nice and entire 2021-22 campaign at Marseille.

He improved in Ligue 1, getting regular game time and a place in the France side, making him one of Europe’s best young French defenders.