Alan Shearer says one ‘superb’ Arsenal star was even better than Bukayo Saka in 2023

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Alan Shearer has revealed who he believes has been the best English player in 2023 and it isn’t Bukayo Saka.

Arsenal boast such an array of talented players and at the summit of that list is Bukayo Saka.

The 22-year-old has established himself as one of the best wingers in Europe and has quickly become one of the most valuable players in the world.

Saka is invaluable to Mikel Arteta and Arsenal. He’s one of the first names on the team sheet and a lot of their threat in the final third comes through him.

Although he’s gone through a difficult patch recently, he’s still produced an impressive 21 goal contributions in all competitions this term.

When he’s at his best, the Englishman is breathtaking to watch and not many defenders on the planet can live with his incredible speed and power.

He’s arguably one of England’s most influential players, perhaps behind Harry Kane with Micah Richards giving his opinion on the topic.

Micah Richards labels Saka as the best English player in 2023

England are currently going through their latest golden generation.

With the likes of Jude Bellingham, Kane and Phil Foden all vying to deliver silverware for the Three Lions, there’s no surprise to see many tip Gareth Southgate’s men to lift the 2024 European Championship.

Given the number of world-class talents England have to choose from, Richards still believes Arsenal’s Saka has been the best English player in 2023.

Speaking on the Rest Is Football Podcast, Richards said: “On my notes I have put Saka. I was doing my notes last night and I was thinking in this year, who has stepped up when needed. He got England player of the year 2023, he has been outstanding for Arsenal, he is really good every time he plays for England as well.”

While the former Manchester City man has shown his love for Saka, Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer have chosen a different Arsenal player.

Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer believe Declan Rice has been better than Saka in 2023

After winning the Europa Conference League with West Ham United last June before reaching new heights at Arsenal, it was a tremendous 2023 for Declan Rice.

Lineker and Shearer have therefore chosen the 24-year-old as the best English player in the calendar year.

Despite acknowledging the form of Saka, Lineker showered Rice with praise and Shearer agreed that he’s been ‘superb’.

Lineker said: “I’m actually going to go with another Arsenal player, Declan Rice. You have to take into account what he did at West Ham, because it’s 2023. He lifted a trophy. Then had that enormous move to Arsenal for a huge fee and he has just stepped into things like he has been there all his career. I think he has been brilliant. Saka has been brilliant as well, I love Saka to bits, but I’m going to go with Declan Rice.”

Shearer added: “I’m going to go with you Gary. I’m going to go with Declan Rice. I think he is superb, and he’s going to play a big part for England in the summer.”

Rice’s impact since arriving at the Emirates has been phenomenal so there is no surprise to see him receive the praise he truly deserves.