With 18 goal involvements in 18 appearances this season (7 goals and 11 assists), it’s hardly surprising that Bukayo Saka is earning plaudits left, right and centre.
After helping England to the final of the European Championships there were underlying concerns that fatigue could catch up with the winger, but he’s hit the ground running so fast that he’s well-positioned to break the Premier League’s long-standing assist record (20) set by Thierry Henry in 2002/03 and matched by Kevin De Bruyne in 2019/20.
Still only 23, there are plenty of other records in his sight, especially as he continues to show year-on-year improvements in his key metrics.
“In terms of the numbers, yes [we’ve noticed a shift],” said manager Mikel Arteta ahead of tonight’s clash with Manchester United.
“But we always see a shift in Bukayo. Every single year, he’s providing something else, he’s adding things to his game, he’s more and more consistent.
“His numbers in terms of impact in goals and assists is incredible at this stage of decision. He can only improve, he can only get better. He has the right players around him as well to continue to do so, and especially because he wants more.”
Despite being on Arsenal’s books since he was seven, Saka idolised Cristiano Ronaldo throughout his childhood. While the Portugal international isn’t our cup of tea – years of causing us pain means he can f*ck right off, actually – his path from promising teen to generational talent is no doubt inspiring for those making their way in the game.
Asked whether Saka should be emulating the numbers posted by Ronaldo, Arteta continued: “To look [at the comparison] is always good. And probably the way Cristiano started his career, and when he joined Manchester United, nobody expected him to do that in the first few seasons.
“But again, it was about his mentality, his work ethic, how he developed his skill, his chemistry with his team, and to play in a team that has the capacity as well to be dominant is very, very important. So, I think B[ukayo] has got that context and is heading for that. I think it’s a positive thing.”
For Saka to get to the next level, he really needs Arsenal to win silverware both domestically and in Europe. If that happens, teammate Jorginho’s prediction – made this week in an interview with Rio Ferdinand – that he could win the Ball d’Or wouldn’t be too far-fetched.
“They train with him every day, they’re in the dressing room with him so for a player, a teammate, to have this kind of words, it’s always really positive,” said Arteta.
“It shows you how much they believe in him and the potential that is in him.”
On his growing stature at Emirates Stadium, he continued: “The way he presents himself, the way he talks, the decisions that he makes, he’s got a massive role in the team.
“He’s the main figure with two or three players at the club, and he plays for the national team. He’s a very established player right now, and he decides football matches for us. So he has the right to act and be that way, but at the same time, he’s still so humble, close, and charming to everybody.”
When I see Saka rise to these levels, I start to realise why we didn’t pull the trigger on Ryan Fraser on a free transfer.
That’s so interesting that Saka idolised CR, I’ve made the comparison here in the past in how they play. Even though they have completely different body types, I’ve definitely felt like Saka’s lethality and efficiency and will to decide games from the right wing position is very Ronaldo-esque. Who keep in mind I hate possibly more than any other football player this side of John Terry… but I hate the person rather than the player, and so glad the similarities between him and Saka (who’s turning out to be one of the humblest and most likeable people you could hope… Read more »
Hard to think of another attacking player in recent times that has come through the academy and been so great.
Arsenal through and through and loved by us all!