Bukayo Saka: A Generational Talent
As the stars of the modern game grow older, the dramatic rise in exciting young players couldn’t have come at a better time. Over the last few seasons, many players have emerged as potential world class players. Borussia Dortmund’s Erling Braut Haaland has exploded onto the scene and has shown himself to be among the deadliest strikers in Europe. Seventeen year old Ansu Fati is already playing for Spain as he continues to impress for Barcelona. These players are just two of the many great young players fans just can’t seem to take their eyes off. However, one name that seems to be brushed over when talking about these wonderkids is Arsenal’s starlet Bukayo Saka.
The nineteen year old Englishman burst onto the scene last season, putting in impressive performances in the Europa League, before finding himself in the Premier League starting line-up. Under Mikel Arteta’s tutelage, Saka has emerged as one of England’s biggest prospects. But what makes him so good? And what sets him apart from the rest?
One thing that Saka offers ,that very few other players in his age bracket can, is versatility. While his preferred position on the pitch is as a left winger, the big names that Arsenal boast in the attacking third meant that he found himself playing as a left back in the 19/20 season. However, when he got the chance to play further up the pitch in his more natural position, we got to watch an exciting young player attack defences with dazzling football and incredible technique. In the Europa League, with the bigger names being rested, Saka has been allowed to play as a left winger, and unsurprisingly some of his best performances have come in that competition. Having played in ten Europa League games, Saka has registered two goals and five assists. In the Premier League, with Arteta favouring a 3–4–3 formation, Saka has been deployed as a left wing back, using his pace and energy to add to the attack but also to help out the defence. However, as Arsenal continue to stutter in the Premier League when it comes to attacking prowess, we could see Saka being played in a more advanced role, as Arteta tries to unlock Arsenal’s full attacking potential. For a teenager to be asked to play in multiple different positions in high level competitions, and to not only play the role competently but to excel no matter where he is deployed, is a trait rarely found in players of such a young age.
Saka’s impressive form has been noticed by England manager Gareth Southgate, and the nineteen year old has earned himself two caps already this season. Against Belgium, Saka came on as a substituted in the 38th minute for Ben Chilwell, who was forced off through injury. Despite playing as a left back, no player created more chances (3) than him during the game. His confidence on the ball shone against the best national team in the world, and despite the defeat, Saka put in another exceptional performance. His maturity and intelligence on the pitch have been praised by many for much of Arteta’s reign as Arsenal manager; traits which will only improve further as he gains more experience in the game.
Football is entering a transitional phase where the stars of the game are either entering their 30’s or are already into them. With that being said, the scramble to find the stars of the new generation to fill those world class gaps has allowed us to find numerous talents, scattered across Europe, all with the potential to become one of the greats. When talking about generational talents, it would be disrespectful not to include Bukayo Saka in the conversation. He has all the qualities to go right to the top of the game and his career path will be an incredibly interesting one to follow. At a time when the future of the world in and out of football seems so uncertain, one thing is for sure; Arsenal star boy Bukayo Saka has the world at his feet, and I for one can’t wait to see what he does next.
