Arsenal star Bukayo Saka has spoken out about the importance of leadership at the club.
Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka got his Premier League season off to a brilliant start on Saturday as he scored a wonderful long-range goal that proved to be the match-winning contribution against Nottingham Forest.
The 21-year-old Arsenal academy graduate is a talismanic figure at the Emirates Stadium, and one of the first names on Mikel Arteta’s starting XI team sheet. He possesses maturity far beyond his years, which has allowed him to blossom into one of the most exciting young talents in world football.
In that sense, he has been leading by example, and is a role model for the youth players in the north London club’s academy set up. However, Saka has said that, “I don’t see myself as the leader.”
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In an interview with French publication L’Equipe, Saka said, “Leadership is shared within this squad. Everyone has their role, and I strive to fulfil what’s expected of me, primarily to score and create impactful moments.”
At this early stage in his career, it is understandable why Saka wouldn’t refer to himself as the leader at Arsenal. That role is more directly associated with club captain Martin Odegaard, and experienced figures in the squad such as Jorginho.
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Arteta, though, will be delighted to see that the attitude of shared leadership, with every single player taking responsibility to set a good example, is something that has seemingly been embraced by his squad. On top of that, there’s enough pressure on Saka’s young shoulders already without burdening him with a defined leadership role for the Gunners.
Arteta will just want Saka focusing on his football. If Arsenal are to achieve their ambitious targets for this season, and beat Manchester City to the Premier League title this time around, then the talented No. 7 will need to be at his best on the pitch.
As he continues to grow and develop under Arteta’s influence, Saka may well be ready to take on the captain’s armband for Arsenal one day.