Didier Deschamps has explained why William Saliba isn't as good for France as he is for Arsenal.
Saliba is one of Mikel Arteta's main players, with the defender playing every game in the Premier League this season.
He's an extremely key figure for the Gunners, having starred since returning from his loan spells away from the Emirates.
But the 22-year-old has yet to cement his spot in the national team as Deschamps has claimed that the Arsenal star is not used to the pressure that comes with competition.
"Saliba is very efficient," explained the 55-year-old. "For the national team, he hasn't had a lot of playing time, he perhaps did not find himself in the best conditions.
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"I'm not going to compare him to [Dayot] Upamecano but at Arsenal, he doesn't ask himself the question whether he's going to be playing or not, here he's not one of the first choices.
"He isn't in the same psychological situation with his club. When he has playing time with us, he must say to himself: 'I have to perform well', because there are others behind him. He is not in a psychological situation that is the same as at his club."
Deschamps added: "We are talking about a young player. At Arsenal, he is fulfilled and efficient. There are a lot of players in this position. Maybe he has a little more confidence. He has everything he needs to get through this stage."
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The France boss has several centre-back options at his disposal as he has the luxury to call upon the services of the likes of Dayot Upamecano, Jules Kounde and Jean-Clair Todibo, among others.
But, judging by his performances in the Premier League, it's only a matter of time before Saliba becomes a regular starter for France.
He'll be hoping for some action during this month's international break ahead of featuring for Les Bleus at Euro 2024 next summer.
Topics: William Saliba, Arsenal, France, Football, Didier Deschamps
Nasir Jabbar