William Saliba, the Arsenal center-back, once again showcased his exceptional defensive prowess as France secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Belgium in the Round of 16 at Euro 2024. Saliba, who started and played the full 90 minutes, was a rock at the heart of the French defense, delivering a performance that was both commanding and statistically impressive.

The 23-year-old consistently thwarted Belgium’s attacking threats, completing 97% of his passes, including 3 accurate long balls that launched French counter-attacks. He also won 67% of his ground duels, proving his strength and tenacity in close quarters. Saliba’s aerial prowess was also on display, winning 50% of his aerial duels and making 4 crucial clearances to deny the Belgian attackers any clear opportunities.

Saliba’s performance wasn’t just about defending; he also contributed offensively, registering 2 interceptions and making 1 tackle to break up Belgian build-up play. His ability to read the game and anticipate danger was evident, preventing any Belgian player from dribbling past him.

The clean sheet was a testament to Saliba’s dominance and his ability to lead the French defense with authority. His performance will undoubtedly boost Arsenal’s confidence ahead of the new season, as he returns to the Emirates Stadium as a proven and dominant defender on the international stage. Saliba’s performance against Belgium showcased his maturity, experience, and the qualities that make him one of the most sought-after defenders in the world.