By Kehinde Okeowo
Arsenal defender, William Saliba has divided opinions among Arsenal supporters on Twitter.
The young defender was bought In the region of £27m by Arsenal in 2019 from French club, Saint-Etienne.
He has, however, been considered surplus to requirement by the Gunners’ gaffer, Mikel Arteta, who sends him on loan every season.
Saliba is currently on loan at Marseille, who played French giant, Paris St Germain (PSG) yesterday.
The well-marshaled defense of Marseille held the star-studded PSG to a goalless draw after brave defending.
William Saliba was part of the backline that shut out the highly potent and gifted attack comprising of Leonel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, and Neymar.
The feat has earned the 20-year-old accolades from Arsenal supporters, who felt his performance on the night portends great future for Arsenal.
However, while the majority of the fans who took to Twitter, applauded him and predicted a great partnership with Ben White and Gabriel next season.
Others were not so impressed, they felt he made some elementary errors in the game and needed more time on loan, to play in a big-league like the English Premier League (EPL),
Those who felt his performance deserves a place in the Arsenal squad next season had these to say:
@SeaaaMannnn: Heard Saliba pocketed Mbappe, Neymar, and Messi yesterday
@bhavss14: Saliba, Gabriel & White… tears in my eyes, after all the years of suffering we finally have some proper center-backs. All under 24 as well.
@markhgoodman10: Watched a recording of Marseille/PSG tonight… OM’s backline was their strength and Saliba was just immense imo. Very good with the ball and even better at defending. The tackle on Mbappé at the end was perfection.
@Lord_Oscar_I: Saliba’s pocketed one of the most expensive players in the world yesterday.
Others who disagreed and said he needed more time on loan also tweeted these:
@LeGrove: Saliba is doing exactly what is right for his career. Loads of game time under a top coach. When he comes back next year, he’ll be the most experienced center-back of his age in Europe.
@ MartinWenglow: Jonathan Pearce commentating on PSG v O. Marseille tonight.
“Saliba is not ready for the Premier League. He makes too many mistakes.”
He’s still only 20, but AFC fans should accept this at this moment.
He might be good enough one day, and maybe he might not.