In the summer of 2019, William Saliba made his professional debut for Ligue 1 club Marseille. The 18-year-old center-back was signed by the French side from Arsenal, and he quickly established himself as one of their key players in just his first season.

Saliba began to make a name for himself during the 2019-20 season with Marseille. He played in all but two matches that year, starting in 27 games and helping the team finish third in the league table. His performances caught the attention of many fans and media outlets alike, who praised his defensive abilities and aerial ability.

As the season progressed, Saliba continued to impress with his consistent performances on the pitch. He proved to be a reliable partner for experienced center-backs such as Eric Bailly and Samuel Umtiti, and he helped Marseille secure a top-four finish in the league table. He also scored three goals and provided two assists in all competitions, showing his versatility as a player.

The 2020-21 season saw Saliba continue to develop into one of the most promising young defenders in Europe. He played in all 46 league matches for Marseille, starting in 45 of them and scoring four goals. His performances were so impressive that he was named the best young defender in France by L'Equipe magazine.

Saliba's breakthrough season has not gone unnoticed either. He has been linked with several top clubs in Europe, including Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Paris Saint-Germain. However, it remains to be seen whether he will follow in the footsteps of other talented center-backs like Laurent Koscielny or Marquinhos, who have moved from smaller clubs to bigger ones and become key figures in their respective teams.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, Saliba is already considered one of the brightest prospects in French football. With his physicality, aerial ability, and defensive work rate, he could go far in the coming years. And with Marseille, he has the opportunity to continue developing his game under the guidance of renowned coach Lucien Favre, who has previously worked with him at Arsenal.

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