Arsenal Fans Send Message to Deschamps: Saliba Haunts Ronaldo – Can He Be Underrated Anymore?

In the early hours of July 6, France defeated Portugal in a penalty shootout in the quarterfinals of the European Championship, advancing to the semis. This victory was not only due to the team’s collective effort but also the standout performance of Arsenal defender William Saliba, who effectively neutralized Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo, making the superstar almost invisible.

Saliba’s consistent displays throughout the tournament have been remarkable. He previously marked Belgium’s forward Romelu Lukaku tightly and once again proved his worth in a direct battle against Ronaldo, leaving a lasting impression on fans.

Facing a world-class forward like Ronaldo, Saliba displayed extraordinary composure and confidence. He dominated physically and showcased exceptional defensive skills, rendering Ronaldo seemingly powerless in the match.

Arsenal supporters took to social media to shower praise on Saliba, calling him a “monster” and suggesting that Ronaldo might now be having nightmares about him. They also questioned French head coach Didier Deschamps’ previous assessment of Saliba, believing he should reevaluate the young defender’s abilities.

One Arsenal fan remarked, “Deschamps must be regretting his words now. He said Saliba wasn’t the best central defender in France. The irony is that he played every game and was outstanding today, silencing Ronaldo.” Another fan pointed out, “This is what Saliba is all about. Deschamps initially underestimated him, but he’s now seen as one of the best defenders out there, performing well in every match. Well done, Saliba. We’re proud of you.”

While some argue that Ronaldo’s decline in form could be a factor in Saliba’s successful containment, it doesn’t take away from Saliba’s impressive showing on the pitch. His solid defensive work and dominance over Ronaldo prove that he has established himself as one of Europe’s top defenders.

Saliba’s rise is a source of pride for both Arsenal fans and the French national team. As the Euros progress, Saliba will continue to prove his worth, and his name will become more widely recognized. For Arsenal, Saliba’s performances signal an exciting future with a stronger defensive backbone.