According to a recent report by the Metro, Tottenham Hotspur have made a late move to secure the services of Saint Etienne defender William Saliba who has also been linked with a move to Arsenal all summer. The same source has claimed that Spurs are trying to orchestrate a late move which could see them beat their North London rivals in pursuit of the Ligue 1 defensive ace in this off-season.
The Recent Emergence Of William Saliba In The Ligue 1
The French talent was born in Bondy and grew up playing for Saint-Etienne before graduating from the club’s academy last year. He finally managed to break out as a first-team starter under Jean-Louis Gasset’s stewardship in the previous season.
Saliba enjoyed an outstanding time with Saint Etienne after putting in a series of dominant displays for his side during the recently concluded Ligue 1 campaign. The French starlet participated in 19 matches for Gasset’s team in the previous campaign. The Ligue 1 prospect made an average of 2.0 tackles, 1.8 interceptions and 2.7 clearances per game in the top tier of France (Stats via Whoscored).
Saliba has also played for his nation at various youth levels and could be destined to play an integral role for France in the coming years. At 18, the Saint-Etienne sensation has all the skillset required to become a top defender as long as he continues to work hard on the field.
What Will The French Centre-Half Bring To North London?
Saliba is quick enough to cover a lot of ground when left isolated against his marker in 1v1 scenarios. The French wonderkid has a good football IQ which helps him make some critical interceptions for his side during a match. However, he is yet to prove his worth at the highest level so he might not be ready for regular starts in Premier League football just yet.
The Bondy-born defensive ace will need to develop his strength if he intends to succeed and cope with the physical toll of English football.
The Addition Of Saliba: Good Move For Spurs?
The acquisition of a centre-back of Saliba’s remarkable potential will undoubtedly improve Mauricio Pochettino’s defensive options at North London in the future. But for now, he won’t add too much quality to the Tottenham squad as he is too inexperienced to pass the test in the top tier of England.
Pochettino is better off concentrating on more proven talents than settle for a prospect for the future. Otherwise, Spurs could risk missing out on silverware once again next season.
