# William Saliba's Defensive Statistics in His First Season with Marseille
## Introduction
William Saliba, the young French defender, made a significant impact during his first season with Marseille, showcasing his defensive prowess and maturity beyond his years. On loan from Arsenal, Saliba quickly became a key player for Marseille, helping the team secure second place in Ligue 1 and earning widespread praise for his performances.
## Defensive Statistics Overview
In his debut season with Marseille, Saliba demonstrated his ability to read the game and intercept opposition attacks effectively. He averaged **2.3 interceptions per game**, highlighting his anticipation and positioning. Additionally, he won **65% of his aerial duels**, a testament to his physicality and dominance in the air.
Saliba also excelled in tackling, completing **71% of his attempted tackles**, which is a high success rate for a center-back in a top European league. His composure under pressure was evident,Serie A Overview as he committed only **0.5 fouls per game**, showcasing his disciplined approach to defending.
## Key Contributions to Marseille's Success
One of the standout aspects of Saliba's game was his ability to recover the ball without diving into tackles. He averaged **4.2 recoveries per game**, often regaining possession in dangerous areas and launching counterattacks. His passing accuracy of **85%** further emphasized his role as a modern defender, capable of contributing to both defense and attack.
Furthermore, Saliba played a crucial role in Marseille's defensive solidity. He helped the team keep **15 clean sheets** in the league, with Marseille conceding just **1.1 goals per game** when he was on the pitch. His leadership and communication were instrumental in organizing the backline, despite being only 21 years old.
## Conclusion
William Saliba's first season with Marseille was nothing short of impressive. His defensive statistics reflect his maturity, composure, and ability to perform at a high level consistently. As he continues to develop, Saliba has the potential to become one of the top defenders in European football. For Marseille, his loan spell was a resounding success, and his contributions will be remembered as a key factor in their strong league campaign.