It Gets Tougher From Here -- Ferdinand To William Saliba

Following a somewhat positive campaign for Arsenal’s William Saliba, former West Ham star, Anton Ferdinand expects things to get tougher for the French international moving forward.
The Arsenal defender is currently out of the team following an injury set back.
Before then, Saliba had inspired the Gunners to a positive start that culminated in Arsenal qualifying for Champions League.

EKO HOT BLOG reports that former West Ham United defender Anton Ferdinand has issued a cautionary message to Arsenal’s rising star, William Saliba, suggesting that the next season could be a difficult one for the young defender.

Ferdinand believes that opposing forwards in the league are likely to become more familiar with Saliba’s tactics, making it harder for him to maintain his standout performances.

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The experienced footballer further emphasized that the season following a breakout campaign is typically the most demanding for players.

Saliba, who recently returned from a loan spell at Marseille, had been enjoying a promising debut season at Arsenal before an unfortunate back injury sidelined him for several weeks.

It Gets Tougher From Here -- Ferdinand To William Saliba — Anton Ferdinand

The 22-year-old defender swiftly established himself as an indispensable starter within the Arsenal team, showcasing his exceptional tackling and heading abilities. His contributions played a crucial role in Arsenal’s title push earlier in the season.

During an interview on the show “Vibe with Five,” Ferdinand expressed his anticipation to witness Saliba’s progress in the upcoming season.

He emphasized the challenges that typically arise in a player’s second year, highlighting the difference in dynamics compared to the first season. In the initial year, the adrenaline and unfamiliarity with a player’s style of play often work in their favor, with opponents yet to fully understand their strengths and weaknesses.

“Do you know what? In Saliba, I’m looking forward to seeing what he’s got next season.

“The only reason I say it, I know how hard the second year is. First year, there’s the adrenaline.

“People don’t really know you. People don’t really know how you play. The respect levels aren’t really there. The second year’s always the hardest.” Ferdinand said.

However, Ferdinand believes that the second year presents a tougher test due to increased scrutiny and higher expectations from opponents.

Arsenal’s recent form has witnessed a dip in performances coinciding with Saliba’s absence due to his injury. The young French international’s return to action is eagerly awaited by fans and pundits alike, as his talents are expected to bolster Arsenal’s defensive line and help the team regain their earlier momentum.

As Saliba prepares for his sophomore season, he will face the challenge of proving himself once again and adapting to the heightened awareness and scrutiny from opposing teams.

The talented center-back will need to showcase his versatility and continue developing his skills to remain a valuable asset for Arsenal in their pursuit of success.

It remains to be seen how Saliba will respond to the upcoming hurdles, but his potential and ability to overcome adversity will undoubtedly be tested in what promises to be a crucial season for the young defender.