France beats Belgium after Saliba's costly penalty error
- William Saliba conceded a penalty in a Nations League match, which was missed by the opposing player.
- Fans criticized Saliba's performance, questioning his reputation as a top defender and suggesting he is overrated.
- The backlash has fueled speculation about his potential transfer to Real Madrid, despite his contract with Arsenal running until 2027.
On October 14, 2024, during a Nations League match in Brussels, Belgium, William Saliba, a defender for Arsenal, faced criticism after conceding a penalty in a 2-1 victory for France over Belgium. Saliba's slip and subsequent foul on Lois Openda led to a penalty kick, which was missed by Youri Tielemans. Despite being recognized as one of the Premier League's top defenders over the past two years, Saliba's performance was deemed subpar by fans, including those from his own club. Many took to social media to express their disappointment, with some suggesting that his skills were overrated and that he was only effective within Arsenal's system. This incident has sparked discussions about his potential transfer to Real Madrid, with fans arguing that he may not be suitable for the Spanish giants. Saliba's contract with Arsenal runs until June 2027, placing the club in a strong position to manage any interest from other teams. The backlash from fans highlights the pressure on players to maintain high standards, especially in high-stakes matches like the Nations League.