On Monday night, football’s online minions lambasted William Saliba for awkwardly handing away a penalty in France’s 2-1 win against Belgium.
The Arsenal star has been one of the Premier League’s top defenders for the last two years, but he was left out to dry for a ‘terrible display’, even by Gunners supporters.
Saliba collided with Lois Openda in the first half, but Youri Tielemans missed the penalty kick in the Nations League match in Brussels.
The 23-year-old, who lost his footing, went nowhere near the ball and was given a yellow card by the referee – before fans online dished him the red.
“Awful display,” commented one fan on X, formerly Twitter.
William Saliba has been mocked by fans for his ‘awful’ display against Belgium, during which he gave away a penalty for a clumsy foul on Lois Openda
Arsenal fans were quick to use the error as a reason why Real Madrid should not sign him
One Chelsea fan remarked, “I’ve seen enough, don’t ever compare Saliba to (Levi) Cowill again.”
Another observed, ‘William Saliba has perfected the art of appearing active on the football ground. The casuals adore it, the analytics folks love it, and I can see through it.
‘He is not elite in any sense of the word, more akin to Johnny Evans than Van Dijk or Ruben Dias. He got a 6/10 on his best day. Overrated.’
Arsenal fans interpreted the incident as a warning to Real Madrid, who are reportedly interested in signing him this summer.
One said, “I hope Real Madrid is watching.” William Saliba isn’t all he’s cracked up to be, especially without Gabriel by his side.
‘Arsenal fans have been severely overrating him; you actually want Cristian Romero (of Tottenham).’
‘Absolutely. Not quite good enough for Real Madrid. Arsenal just appears to be doing well because to the system. “Madrid should definitely go after (Micky) van de Ven instead,” another remarked, pointing Los Blancos in the direction of Spurs’ defense.
Some, however, couldn’t believe the degree of hostility shown at one of the Premier League’s most dependable centre-backs.
Real Madrid have reportedly made the 23-year-old their top target for the summer
So, despite his fantastic defensive performance, you simply chose one bad moment to rule him out as a prospective Real Madrid target? “It’s so unfair,” said one.
‘Hahahahahahahaha. He makes one terrible tackle, and it appears he’s not all he’s cracked up to be,” another wrote.
Saliba is under contract at the Emirates Stadium until June 2027, after signing an extension last year.
Arsenal is well-prepared to handle with any unwanted interest in their star center-back, who played all 38 Premier League games last season.
They appear indifferent about Madrid’s interest in the French international.