Alex Iwobi claims one Arsenal star would’ve been a Ballon d’Or contender had one thing not happened

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Arsenal arguably have their most talented squad in decades, with Mikel Arteta assembling an exceptional group of players over the last few years.

The Gunners have missed out on major honours again, pipped to the title by Liverpool and knocked out of the Champions League by Paris Saint-Germain.

However, while there may be some gaps in the forward areas, the quality of the players certainly hasn’t been the primary issue for Arteta’s side.

Injury problems have plagued Arsenal, and they’ll expect to compete on multiple fronts next season if they manage to avoid these injuries and remain fit.

• READ MORE: William Saliba misses out as Gilberto Silva names the two current Arsenal players who’d make an Invincibles XI

Alex Iwobi claims Bukayo Saka would’ve been a Ballon d’Or contender without injury

Alex Iwobi was at Arsenal to witness the early rise of Bukayo Saka.

The now Fulham star was a regular in Unai Emery’s side in the 2018/19 season, the campaign in which Saka made his senior debut and started to flirt with the prospect of making his breakthrough.

The Nigerian left the Emirates in the summer of 2019, making way for Saka to flourish and establish himself as one of the best players in the world.

“I’ve seen so many sick players, but they end up just fizzling out or they don’t reach the height of Bukayo, well no one has reached the height of Bukayo,” Iwobi told the Inside Scoop.

“His levels are high. In training, you could see that he was raw but he was doing his thing. He was left-back. He’d go past players, whip in crosses, he’d understand football, but sometimes his decision-making or passing wouldn’t come off, but you could see there was a player in there.

“One thing about him, it’s not just that there’s a player in there, but he’s actually humble. He’s willing to learn and that’s what I think got him ahead of others.

“He’s always listening, so I think that’s really what’s helped him. “

Saka suffered the first major injury of his career in December, tearing his hamstring away at Crystal Palace, which subsequently saw him miss three months of football.

The winger had been on course for his best season in terms of output, having netted nine goals and provided 13 assists in 24 appearances prior to injury.

Almost a goal contribution per game, Iwobi issued the bold claim that Saka would’ve been in the Ballon d’Or conversation without his fitness setback.

“I think if he didn’t get injured, he’d potentially be a Ballon d’Or nominee. I think the sky is the limit, man. He’s too cold.”

Bukayo Saka’s statistics 2024/25

In terms of pure output, Saka was on course for an utterly frightening season for Arsenal.

The underlying numbers also suggest that this was no mirage, and that he wasn’t merely running hot.

Saka’s underlying data has actually improved this season, with the winger taking more shots and accumulating slightly more expected goals per 90.

However, it’s his creative numbers which have increased the most dramatically, creating almost three chances per match for his teammates, while averaging 0.39 expected assists.

This season is also the first time in his career he’s been completing over two dribbles per game.

If he can stay fit next season, the sky really is the limit for Saka.