France booked their place in the Euro 2024 semi-finals after beating Portugal on penalties, and Arsenal star William Saliba was outstanding again.
Saliba has arguably been Arsenal’s best-performing player at Euro 2024, and shone again as France kept a clean sheet.
A 0-0 draw saw the game reach extra time and penalties, and Portugal bowed out as Joao Felix missed his crucial spot-kick.
France were defensively resolute again, and are yet to concede from open play in five games at the tournament, with Portugal unable to break them down despite possessing a lot of creative quality in their side.
Cristiano Ronaldo faced off with Saliba, and Arsenal fans were delighted with how their centre-back handled the pressure of facing one of the greatest players of all time.
Arsenal fans delighted as William Saliba handles Cristiano Ronaldo with ease
Ronaldo had another difficult game, with the 39-year-old’s age showing, but Saliba made it difficult for him with a remarkable level of composure.
This was shown in the 34th minute as Ronaldo found himself in a footrace with Saliba for the ball, but the Arsenal star physically outmatched him, and left the former Real Madrid superstar for dead whilst he then dribbled the ball out.
“Saliba is actually a monster,” one Arsenal fan posted on X.
“Ronaldo is gonna see Saliba in his nightmares tonight,” another added
Fans also pointed out that France manager Didier Deschamps was wrong for failing to trust Saliba until this tournament, having criticised him before.
“I bet Didier Deschamps must be eating his words. Saying Saliba isn’t the best French centre half. How ironically he’s played every game and today had a solid performance keeping Ronaldo quiet,” one fan pointed out.
“Thats how good he is. Deschamps underrated him initially but later found out he is the best out of all he has in the defence and he has delivered in all matches he has played so far. Well done Saliba. We are proud of you,” another stated.
Thats how good he is. Deschamps underrated him initially but later found out he is the best out of all he has in the defense and he has delivered in all matches he has played so far. Well done Saliba. We are proud of you.
— Perfidy in Robes Pi π (@henriOO7) July 5, 2024
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Fans did also highlight that with Ronaldo in poor form, keeping him quiet was an easy task for Saliba anyway.
“I’m all for Saliba hype, but every CB this tournament has done that,” one fan stated of his performance against the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.
William Saliba has been Arsenal’s best performer at Euro 2024
Several Arsenal players including Leandro Trossard and Jorginho struggled at Euro 2024, whilst Kai Havertz was criticised as Germany lost to Spain.
However, it has been nothing but excellence from Saliba for France. His team have struggled going forward, but he has helped marshall an elite defence which has only conceded from a penalty against Poland.
The 23-year-old is now cementing his place as one of the best defenders in Europe, and his latest dominant display saw him deal with the likes of Ronaldo, Rafael Leao and Bernardo Silva with ease.
Arsenal chasing Riccardo Calafiori and mystery German target as England face Switzerland
In this week’s episode, Will Jones and Rahul Lakhani discussed England’s recent victory over Slovakia at the European Championships. With Arsenal players Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka featuring again, Man City star Kyle Walker came under scrutiny.
With Arsenal also linked to Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori, the pair explained why the Italy star could be the perfect fit for Mikel Arteta. Recent social media rumours surrounding a potential Arsenal move for a Germany International were also addressed, with some candidates named.
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