Bukayo Saka claims he is in ‘awe’ of one ‘crazy’ thing Arsenal target Ivan Toney can do

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Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka has now expressed his admiration for one piece of skill possessed by England striker Ivan Toney.

Bukayo Saka made a huge impact for England at Euro 2024 on Saturday evening. 

The Arsenal man was once again included in Gareth Southgate’s starting XI, as the Three Lions took on Switzerland in a quarter-final clash in Germany.

The 22-year-old showed flashes of quality in the first half, but his magic moment was to arrive later in the game, with his side trailing. 

In the 80th minute, with England 1-0 down, Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice spread the ball out to Saka on the right wing. The 22-year-old then cut inside and picked out the bottom corner with a strike from range.

After Saka levelled the scores, it ultimately took a penalty shootout to separate the two teams. Again, the talismanic Arsenal attacker was able to rise to the occasion. He was able to lay to rest some demons from his past too, as he missed a crucial penalty in the shootout that decided the Euro 2020 final.

On this occasion, though, he made no such mistake. England legend David Beckham was quick to congratulate Saka after his conversion from the spot. 

All of England’s penalties were perfect, as they netted five out of five. However, Ivan Toney’s spot-kick was particularly noteworthy, as he did not even look at the ball. Instead, he kept his gaze fixed on Yann Sommer, staring the goalkeeper down, before taking a single step forward and swiping the ball into the bottom corner. 

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Bukayo Saka wowed by Arsenal transfer target Ivan Toney

Saka was stunned by Toney’s coolness in the heat of the shootout, even if he was already familiar with the 28-year-old Brentford striker’s penalty technique.

Speaking on the official England YouTube channel, the day after England’s triumph over Switzerland, Saka said: “When we see him practising in training he does the same thing, it’s crazy. We are all just in awe. I don’t know how he can not look at the ball.”

Saka could be seeing a lot more of the forward’s unique style next season, as Arsenal have been credited with an interest in signing Toney this summer. 

The striker can certainly expect a warm welcome at the Emirates Stadium, if he does make the switch, and not just from Saka, as Toney has struck up a close friendship with Arsenal midfielder Rice.