“Not William Saliba”: French media now name £70k-a-week Arsenal man in the World Cup team of the tournament
The World Cup is now over, and Argentina have been crowned champions after an incredible final.
It means Arsenal defender William Saliba will not return to The Emirates with a winner’s media around his neck.
As the media review the tournament as a whole, L’Equipe have announced their team of the tournament.
There are a number of players who automatically pick themselves after their performances in Qatar.
Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Tottenham target Sofyan Amrabat all feature.
However, L’Equipe have also named Arsenal star Bukayo Saka in their team of the tournament.
L’Equipe are a notoriously harsh media outlet when it comes to assessing player’s performances.
So, for Saka to feature is an exceptional achievement, especially given England only reached the quarter-finals.
Every other player included made it to at least the semi-finals, so Saka’s performances must have really stood out.
The £70,000-a-week winger was England’s joint top scorer with three goals, alongside Marcus Rashford.
In an incredibly competitive position in Gareth Southgate’s squad, the England manager trusted him in the most important matches.
Saka named in team of the tournament
The 21-year-old was selected ahead of the likes of Hakim Ziyech and Julian Alvarez who both had fantastic tournaments.
Saka hasn’t appeared in any of Arsenal’s mid-season break friendlies as he recovers from his time in Qatar.
The Sun believe that Saka is due to return to Arsenal training any time now, ahead of their Boxing Day tie against West Ham.
Arsenal are still trying to tie Saka down to a new contract, and being named in L’Equipe team of the tournament will only heighten interest from elsewhere.
A report from 90min suggests Manchester City are working on plans to potential sign Saka.
It seems highly unlikely that Mikel Arteta would ever let Saka leave the club.
The winger is one of the most important players in his team, and has helped them reach the summit of the Premier League.
Saka now has to make sure he’s ready for a massive six months at Arsenal.
If all goes to plan, he could end the season with a league winners medal around his neck.
