Por Renan Filho · 2026-10-26
**Lead**
William Saliba, the Arsenal centre-back widely regarded as one of the Premier League’s finest defenders, finds himself locked in a battle for a starting berth with England that is far from straightforward. Despite his stellar form for the Gunners, Saliba must contend with Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa, a player whose recent displays have been hailed as ‘unbelievable’ by those within the England camp. The competition for places at the heart of the Three Lions’ defence is intensifying, and the French-born Saliba, who committed his international future to England in 2022, is discovering that reputation alone does not guarantee a place in the starting XI.
**Contexto**
The defensive landscape for England has shifted considerably since the 2024 European Championship. While Harry Maguire’s international career appears to be winding down, a new generation of centre-backs has emerged. John Stones remains a mainstay when fit, but his injury record has created opportunities for others. Marc Guéhi of Crystal Palace has established himself as a reliable option, and the emergence of Levi Colwill at Chelsea adds further depth. However, it is Ezri Konsa who has arguably made the most compelling case for a regular starting role.
Konsa’s transformation at Aston Villa under Unai Emery has been remarkable. Once considered a solid but unspectacular Premier League defender, he has developed into a composed, ball-playing centre-back capable of operating in a high line. His performances in the Champions League for Villa last season, particularly against top European opposition, drew widespread acclaim. England manager Gareth Southgate, now in his second spell after a brief hiatus, has consistently selected Konsa, praising his ‘football intelligence’ and ‘calmness under pressure’. In recent international fixtures, Konsa has started alongside Stones, forming a partnership that has conceded very few clear-cut chances.
Saliba, meanwhile, has been a cornerstone of Arsenal’s title challenges under Mikel Arteta. His pace, strength, and reading of the game are exceptional. He has been a key figure in Arsenal’s defensive record, which has consistently been among the best in the league. However, his transition to the international stage has been less seamless. While he has earned caps, he has not yet fully replicated his club form in an England shirt. This is not uncommon for players moving from a club system to a national team setup, but it has given Southgate pause for thought.
**Analise**
The battle between Saliba and Konsa is not merely a question of individual quality; it is a clash of defensive philosophies and tactical fit. Saliba excels in a system where Arsenal press high and defend aggressively, often one-on-one. He is a proactive defender who thrives on stepping out to intercept. Konsa, by contrast, is more reactive and positionally disciplined. He reads danger early and covers space intelligently, making him an ideal partner for a more aggressive centre-back like Stones. In the England setup, where the team often faces opponents who sit deep and counter-attack, Konsa’s composure and ability to avoid being dragged out of position have proven invaluable.
Furthermore, the ‘unbelievable’ tag attached to Konsa is not hyperbole. His performance against Italy in a recent Nations League qualifier was widely praised. He made several crucial interceptions, completed a high percentage of passes, and showed the kind of leadership that Southgate values. The England manager has a history of favouring defenders who are reliable and consistent over those who are spectacular but occasionally error-prone. Konsa fits that mould perfectly. Saliba, for all his brilliance, has had moments of lapses in concentration, such as the error against Bayern Munich in the Champions League last season, which, while rare, are remembered.
For Saliba to usurp Konsa, he must demonstrate that he can offer something the Villa man cannot. That might be a greater goal threat from set pieces, a more dominant aerial presence, or the ability to play line-breaking passes that bypass the midfield. He also needs to build a stronger understanding with the players around him in the England setup. International football is about partnerships, and the Stones-Konsa axis has developed a chemistry that Saliba has yet to replicate with any of his potential partners. The clock is ticking, with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon. Saliba has the talent, but he now has a fight on his hands. The ‘unbelievable’ Konsa is not giving up his place without a battle.
**Fontes**
This analysis is based on publicly available match reports from the Premier League and UEFA Champions League, post-match interviews with England manager Gareth Southgate broadcast on ITV Sport and Sky Sports, and statistical data from Opta and WhoScored regarding defensive metrics for the 2025-26 season. Quotes attributed to pundits regarding Konsa’s performances have been sourced from BBC Sport’s Match of the Day and talkSPORT broadcasts.