Bukayo Saka now reveals key influence Arsenal Invincible had on his playing style

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Bukayo Saka has developed into a top-class player over the years, and his success is in no small part thanks to the coaching he has received.

Saka is one of the best players to ever graduate from Arsenal’s Hale End Academy, and he has blossomed into one of the best wingers in the Premier League.

The 22-year-old has thrived under Mikel Arteta, but began to make an impact in the Premier League under interim boss Freddie Ljungberg in 2019, and having been coached by the Arsenal legend at youth level, the pair now have a tight bond.

Bukayo Saka explains Freddie Ljungberg influence on his playing style

Speaking to TNT Sports, Saka claimed that Ljungberg, who also played on the right wing for Arsenal, had a huge influence in helping him develop his finishing ability.

“Freddie did push me a lot, he did believe in me,” Saka stated of the Arsenal legend.

“When I got a bit older, maybe I was 16, he brought me all the way to the 23s, so he gave me a lot of confidence, and shortly after, he was made interim coach, and he pushed me again.

“It was really special for me and I made sure I asked him a lot of questions! He played in my position so he had a lot of advice for me. It was a really nice moment to have him as a coach and learn from him.

“When I was that age (15), because I was strong, every time I got the ball in front of goal I used to smash it.

“Freddie is the one who taught me to be more calm and finesse the ball, so when you see me finishing the ball, part of that has come from Freddie.”

Bukayo Saka’s different Arsenal coaches

He has been coached under three different managers during his time as a senior Arsenal player, and he recently praised Unai Emery for the impact he had on his career, having made his first-team debut under the current Aston Villa boss.

However, his main success has come as a right-winger under Arteta, and his development can clearly be credited to Ljungberg.

Ljungberg is one of the finest wingers in the history of the club, and his influence over Saka has helped him develop into a top-class player in the position he once played in for the Arsenal Invincibles, and the pair clearly still have an excellent relationship despite Ljungberg’s departure in 2020.