"I like the way he plays, his concentration, his focus" - Manchester City man Bernardo Silva heaps praise on Arsenal superstar
Manchester City attacker Bernardo Silva has heaped praise on Arsenal defender William Saliba ahead of Portugal and France's Euro 2024 quarter-final match on Friday (July 5). The French centre-half has come up against Silva a few times in the Premier League and other competitions in England.
Overall, the pair's clubs have met on five occasions, with both players' teams ending up victorious twice each. Now, they will be pitted against one another in the European championships. Speaking about the 23-year-old defender's abilities ahead of this contest, Silva said (via Metro):
"Saliba is a rival in the Premier League and he is a wonderful player as well, one that I really like.
"I like the way he plays, his concentration, his focus. He is always ready to help the team and it will not be easy against him."
Saliba has appeared in all four of France's Euro 2024 matches so far this time out and will be expected to start against Portugal as well. For Arsenal, he was brilliant last season alongside Brazilian centre-half Gabriel.
Together, the pair ensured that the Gunners conceded the fewest goals amongst all the Premier League teams (29). He played every single game in the English top flight in the 2023/24 campaign, bagging two goals and an assist.
Meanwhile, Silva will also be expected to continue in attack against France, having already scored once in Euro 2024 in three appearances.
Arsenal could let go of William Saliba amid pressure from Real Madrid - Reports
Arsenal may have to let go of their superstar defender William Saliba, amid interest from Spanish giants Real Madrid. This is the claim from Football365, who believe that the interest from Los Blancos may cause the Gunners to fold when it comes to Saliba.
However, the France international still has three years left on his current contract at the Emirates and is a vital component of Mikel Arteta's team. Without a direct replacement for Saliba in the right central defensive position, it is unlikely that the Gunners would wish to sell him.
That being said, Real Madrid are considered to be one of the biggest clubs in the world, and the chance to join them may be tempting for Saliba. Last season, Carlo Ancelotti's side managed to win the UEFA Champions League and the La Liga trophies.
However, Arsenal themselves are on the way up and only finished two points behind Premeir League champions Manchester City in the 2023/24 season.