This Premier League season, the Arsenal defender has been among the league’s top performers, solidifying his position at the center of a Gunners defense that has supported the team’s rise to the top of the standings.
William Saliba has jokingly stated that he wants his teammate Gabriel Jesus to be eliminated from the World Cup so that he won’t have to face him.
The 10 Arsenal players representing their nation in Qatar include Saliba of France and Jesus of Brazil.
Despite neither player currently being a regular starter for their country, both countries are among the strong favorites to win the competition and take home the trophy.
Forward Jesus was a substitute for Brazil’s victories over Serbia and Switzerland, but he is now in the starting lineup for Friday night’s match against Cameroon.
Given that Brazil has already qualified for the round of 16, he starts alongside fellow Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli.
While Saliba, a defender, has only played 27 minutes total, he did come off the bench during France’s shocking loss to Tunisia, even though Les Bleus had already booked their spot in the round of 16.
However, both players are still having a great season at the club level, which is helping the Gunners win the Premier League.
Despite the 21-year-admission old’s that he hopes Brazil is eliminated before they have the chance to play France, Saliba has been all praise for Jesus.
According to Saliba, who was cited by French Football News, Jesus is a star player and is performing admirably for us this season with Arsenal.
Just for that one day, he hoped to put on a strong performance. He hoped that Brazil would be eliminated quickly.
Throughout the World Cup, he is not exchanging words with him.
Even if Brazil manages to finish first in Group G as expected, they won’t be paired with France until the final; even if they somehow finish second, their first matchup will be in the semifinal.
