‘Amazing future’: Bukayo Saka says Arsenal have a 21-year-old player who is absolutely ‘unbelievable’

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Bukayo Saka was asked about his Arsenal teammate William Saliba ahead of potentially facing him when England play France on Saturday.

Both 21-year-olds have played a huge part in Arsenal racing to the top of the Premier League table before the unprecedented mid-season break for the World Cup.

Saka started England’s 3-0 win over Senegal on Sunday night, scoring their third goal of the game and his third goal of the tournament.

Saliba is yet to start a game for France, who have an embarrassment of riches at centre-half, but at a press conference, Saka was very complimentary about the defender.

Saka on Saliba

He was asked which players from the French side he rates and said with a smile: “I like William Saliba from the French team!

In response to a question specifically about Saliba, he said: “I can’t talk highly enough of William. He’s unbelievable. He’s got an amazing future.

“I’m looking forward to seeing how much he keeps developing and I wish him all the best. He’s such a good guy as well.

“I haven’t received any texts from him (before Saturday) and I’m not sure I will either. Let’s see.”

England are facing their biggest test of the competition against a French side who are the reigning champions and have the top scorer in the competition so far – Kylian Mbappe.

France are the favourites but England can win the game if they keep defending as strongly as they have during a run of three clean sheets since letting in two sloppy late goals against Iran.

Saka and co will be vitally important at the other end in a game where England may need to play on the counter-attack to keep Mbappe quiet and get the win.