West Ham’s reported prime summer defensive target William Saliba was handed a shocking 2/10 match rating for his involvement in a Marseille thrashing.
David Moyes allegedly want to sign Saliba from parent club Arsenal in the summer according to the likes of Jeunes Footeux.
West Ham desperately need a new centre-back and failed to get one in the door during the January window.
Reports claim the Hammers are prepared to pay round €30 million (£25.3 million) for Arsenal’s defender Saliba, who is on loan at Marseille.
The 20-year-old has been described as an ‘incredible’ talent by talkSPORT. The Arsenal owned defender has received rave reviews during a loan spell with Marseille so far this season.
In 21 Ligue 1 outings for Marseille so far this season, Saliba has averaged 1.8 tackles, 1.2 interceptions and 2.3 clearances per game (Who Scored).
West Ham’s prime summer target William Saliba gets shocking 2/10 match rating after thrashing
The young French centre-back is an incredible passer of the football as well and is very composed when in possession. He has made 82.8 passes on average per game for Marseille this season and has recorded an impressive completion rate of 93.5% (Who Scored).
But Moyes may be reconsidering if he tuned into Marseille’s 4-1 French Cup quarter-final defeat to Nice in midweek.
Saliba endured a torrid time and was given a match rating of just 2/10 by respected French outlet Get French Football News.
“William Saliba, 2 – Started at right-back, but lacked the intensity needed at full-back in such an open game, before moving back to the right of a three at halftime, but was equally at sea in both roles,” GFFN reported.
“Needlessly losing possession led to the equaliser, he was caught under the ball just after halftime which allowed Nice to counter for 3-1 and lost Delort for the fourth. His supreme calmness can go too far and make him appear slow and lethargic.”
Saliba’s defensive partner and another reported West Ham target, Duje Caleta-Car, did not fare much better, earning a 4-10 rating.
It comes after Saliba was also adjudged to have been at fault in Marseille’s 2-1 defeat to rivals Lyon at the start of the month.
A couple of bad games do not make Saliba a bad player of course.
But West Ham will be looking to bring in a long-term successor to Angelo Ogbonna so a player who is consistent will be key.