Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has become the latest famous footballer to praise Gunners star Bukayo Saka as debate rages over whether he is world-class.
Bukayo Saka is simply calm and leading Arsenal’s title bid, but debate has emerged over whether the 22-year-old is world-class.
It all started when Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand insisted he wasn’t, citing the fact that Saka had yet to hit his stride in the final stages of the Champions League. The claim sparked considerable backlash from Arsenal fans who wanted to jump to the academy graduate’s defense.
The versatile forward has been Mikel Arteta’s most lethal marksman so far this season, with 16 goals and 11 assists in all competitions so far this season. Three of those goals came in the group stage of the Champions League, but it was still not enough to convince Ferdinand.
he said on the Five podcast last month. “Not yet. Listen, I think Saka was unreal. I actually think he needs some rest. He needs a lot of games for a young kid.”
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“But I think it’s almost like world class? He wasn’t doing it in the world.” champions league ,is that so? I’m talking about the core stage. Top of Saka, don’t get me wrong. He’s not world class yet. ”
After fans and pundits weighed in on the topic, Gunners manager Arteta answered a question on the matter, but did not directly say whether he thought Saka was world-class. Instead, he chose to use it as an opportunity to praise his number seven.
“Players have their moments,” Arteta explained. “You can just analyze attacking stats, goals and assists and make a decision – that’s it! But his overall play, overall contribution, numbers and impact on the game are still high. It was something.
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“Is he more efficient now (than he was a few months ago)? The answer is yes. The impact he’s had in the last seven or eight games has been really good. I’m really happy.”
If Saka really wants Ferdinand to be believed, he knows exactly what he has to do – get the Gunners into the last eight of the Champions League, but it won’t be easy. Arsenal found themselves losing 1-0 to Porto in the first leg of their round of 16 tie last month.
The return match is nine days away, but regardless of the fact that Arteta’s side remain in the title race, elimination from the Champions League would be a huge stain on the Spaniard’s, and indeed Saka’s, resume.
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