Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has received criticism for his continued selection of Bukayo Saka, amidst fears of burnout for the 22-year-old, but the player has now leapt to his defence.
Saka broke an Arsenal record this season as he featured for over 80 consecutive Premier League matches, but picked up an injury earlier this month in the Champions League defeat to RC Lens.
The winger missed the victory over Manchester City, but returned after the international break and has since started every game for Arsenal.
Saka defends Arteta over selection criticism
Criticism was directed towards Arteta for not rotating him, with Arsenal legend Freddie Ljungberg claiming he was “worried” about the popular player, but speaking to Football.London, Saka revealed that it is his desire to play as many games as possible.
“I think I’m really focused on the next coming games and what I can do for the team,” he stated.
“My focus is not really there [on talk of burning out].
“I’m a guy who always wants to be on the pitch, always wants to give my best, and if I’m injured and I have to be forced to be out, then, of course, I will sit out. But as long I’m there and I’m ready to play, I am always going to give my best and tell them that I want to play.”
When asked if he could continue playing so many minutes, Saka was defiant in his response.
“Yeah, I think it’s possible. When you look at the top players, they are there every three days and they are winning games for their team.
“So I’m trying to be at that level, and to obviously be at that level I need to push myself. Of course, it’s difficult, but I’m trying to do it and give it my best.”
Should Saka be rotated more?
Saka has claimed that the best players in the world often play the most minutes, and he does raise a good point.
Last season, Saka played for 3744 minutes in all competitions. By comparison, Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah played for 4301 minutes.
Liverpool do not have direct cover for Salah, but do have wingers and midfielders who can move over to the right if needed, and Arsenal have the same situation with the likes of Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Jesus able to step in.
The best players will inevitably be needed for most games, and Saka’s situation is very comparable to Salah’s: he is so good that Arteta will not rotate him out as easily as other players.
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