Football News: Saliba Shines, Mbappe Struggles at Euro 2024
In the world of Football, all eyes were on the semi-final clash between France and Spain at Euro 2024. While Arsenal’s William Saliba was praised for his solid defensive performance, Kylian Mbappe, the talisman of the French national team, faced heavy criticism from the notoriously tough French newspaper L’Equipe.
Saliba’s Impressive Display
Saliba, who has been a rock at the back for France throughout the tournament, continued his impressive form against Spain’s formidable attacking trio of Lamine Yamal, Alvaro Morata, and Nico Williams. The Arsenal defender earned a respectable 6/10 rating from L’Equipe, a testament to his consistent and composed display.
Mbappe’s Struggles
On the other hand, Mbappe, who had a torrid evening against Spain, was savaged by the publication with a scathing 3/10 rating. The soon-to-be Real Madrid star, who ended the tournament with just one goal, a penalty against Poland, was heavily criticized for his below-par performance.
“He’s the leader, he’s the captain and he failed. Simple as that. I think that he had a terrible competition and an odd season with PSG, the first very difficult season he has had to face and he was honest.” – Emmanuel Petit, France legend
Disappointing French Midfield
While Saliba’s performance earned him a potential spot in the Euro 2024 Team of the Tournament, France’s midfield trio of N’Golo Kante, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Adrien Rabiot all received abysmal 3/10 ratings from L’Equipe, as Spain’s midfield dominated the proceedings.
The Road Ahead
The reigning world champions, France, were ultimately eliminated from the competition after a 2-1 defeat to Spain. The loss has sparked discussions about the future of manager Didier Deschamps, with Petit suggesting that it might be time for a change, hinting at the possibility of Zinedine Zidane taking over the national team.
As the football world shifts its attention to the upcoming FIFA World Cup in 2026 and the UEFA Champions League, the performance of Saliba and the struggles of Mbappe at Euro 2024 will undoubtedly be a talking point for Football News enthusiasts in the months to come.
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