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Ibrahima Konaté and William Saliba are two of France’s most promising young centre-backs, each playing for top Premier League clubs—Liverpool and Arsenal, respectively—and vying for spots in the highly competitive French national squad.

Ibrahima Konaté, known for his physical presence and aerial ability, has been a solid part of Liverpool’s defense since joining from RB Leipzig.

His performances in key games, particularly in the Champions League, have showcased his potential to be a mainstay in the national team.

On the other hand, William Saliba, after several loan spells, has firmly established himself at Arsenal with his refined defensive skills and composure under pressure, attributes that have earned him critical acclaim in the Premier League.

Both players not only contribute defensively but also initiate attacks, displaying modern traits of centre-backs with their ball-handling and passing abilities.

Of course, they have drawn comparison as both players are young centre-backs playing for Premier League rivals as well as the French national team.

But former Arsenal man William Gallas believes that Konate may just edge it.

What did Gallas say about William Saliba?

William Gallas, who also had a glittering stint at Chelsea, revealed that Konate’s presence makes things ‘difficult’ for Saliba – but conceded that it is still a headache for the Deschamps:

“Unfortunately, it’s difficult for William Saliba to be in the France eleven because you have Konaté and Upamecano,” he told GFFN.

“Sometimes Saliba can be magnificent, but sometimes he can be a disaster as he’s not consistent.”

“That’s why it’s a big problem for Didier Deschamps to know exactly who is going to be the number one, or the partnership at centre-back!”

“For every other country, Saliba would probably walk into the XI with ease, but with France, it’s different and that is very tough for him – especially as they have been so successful in recent years.”

“We have some great young centre-backs in the French team, that’s for sure.”

Didier Deschamps view

Didier Deschamps, the manager of Les Bleus, isn’t totally sold on Saliba, as seen by the fact that he frequently gives players like Dayot Upamecano and Ibrahima Konate more playing time because he believes they are superior to the Arsenal star.

Speaking in the March international break, Deschamps said:

“He is having a good season, but he also does things that I don’t like so much,” the World Cup winner said.

“For France, he has limited game time, but when he plays, that hasn’t necessarily gone well.”

“The hierarchy doesn’t favour him at the moment, but he is here?

Dayot Upamecano has had game time and perhaps William has had less.”

With the European Championship in Germany coming up, both players will want to prove that they deserve a starting berth for Les Bleus.

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