Of the three Arsenal youngsters to make their first-team debuts against Vorskla Poltava on Thursday, Bukayo Saka was the youngest and, perhaps, the one most likely to eventually make the breakthrough at the club.
There is, of course, still a very long way to go for that to become a reality and even once a player has broken into the first-team it is another matter entirely to become the undisputed first-choice in a position, as Kieran Gibbs found out.
Saka, though, is certainly moving in the right direction so far, especially when it is considered that he only turned 17 in September.
The Hale End product, who is usually deployed as a left winger but can also play at left-back, is used to playing above his age group, as evidenced by the fact that he featured prominently for the U18s last season when he was still a schoolboy.
This season Saka has stepped up to become an important part of Freddie Ljungberg’s U23 side, catching the eye with his pace and ability to deliver teasing low crosses into the penalty area with regularity.
One of the key qualities that Saka possesses is that he is fearless, something which was apparent in his substitute appearance against Vorskla as he sought to make an impact.
The final Europa League group game, at home to Qarabag, could see Saka receive another runout and next season he will seek to push on even further, perhaps featuring in the Carabao Cup.
Saka has demonstrated that he is capable of adapting quickly to different situations, fulfilling the tactical requirements demanded of him by Ljungberg this season, with the youngster tracking back with regularity.
Between now and the end of the campaign, Saka will seek to improve even further, buoyed by the fact that Unai Emery has already shown faith in him.
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Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird
Off topic, but after listening to the arsecast, was thinking anyone reckon Lichsteiner should start at LB seeing as he is now back from Injury. He did a job there the last time he was in for Monreal, and if I remember correctly kept Kolasniac on the bench. Would provide needed cover, although not presenting the same amount of attacking presence.
I don’t see why you’re getting downvoted for the suggestion! Kola hasn’t been at his best in recent weeks
Kolasinac is miles better than Lichtsteiner. Just because he’s gotten a lot of stick for his defense, doesn’t mean Licht would do it better.
It’s kinda like people on here wanting Elneny to be played over Xhaka last year. That’s just ridiculous. We always over value the players who doesn’t see much time on the pitch.
this exactly. kola did a fantastic job against liverpool. and while he is not good at keeping possession if there is a guy who could do damage in the final third . it is kola. and part of the reason kola and bellerin as well is getting a lot of stick for not defending properly is because they are told go far up the pitch whenevern they have the possession which makes it difficult for them every time when the team lossess posession. and the fact that bellerin is still playing week in week out means that he is doiing… Read more »
You’ll do great, Son. Don’t rest on your oars.
From the little i saw of him in the last game, he is an exciting talent, and he also seem to be very quick and tricky, so a flash player, in the mold of Nelson, jeff etc who can quickly become a fan’s favourite because of their technical ability and trickery on the ball. We all know talent is never enough though, its about how hard he is willing to work to get to the next level, but he is no doubt yet another exciting prospect from our academy, which just seem to be churning them out at the moment.… Read more »
Let’s hope he doesn’t suffer any serious injuries.
Fingers crossed!
He looks impressive. Hope he gets a look in with Carabao (third rate) cup.
Seems to have plenty of pace and raw power and a strong finish.
Teasing low crosses? That has emery written all over it, he’ll be a starter next season 😉