Ian Wright has once again addressed his controversial Bukayo Saka claim surrounding the Arsenal winger playing at left-back for England.
The north London legend last week made the suggestion that the 22-year-old Arsenal superstar could be used at left-back for the Three Lions with Kieran Trippier struggling in the role, with Saka playing the position, along with two others, for England against Switzerland.
With Saka scoring the equalising goal to send the game to extra-time and enjoying his best performance at the Euros yet, calls for the winger to drop further down into a wing-back and fullback role have been somewhat justified from Wright.
And the Arsenal icon has now addressed supporters who were not sold on the idea initially.
Wright says Saka’s latest performance shows he’s ‘capable’ of being more than a winger
Speaking on Stick to Football, Wright highlighted some of the comments he got from Arsenal fans after his claim that Saka should play in defence, with the pundit suggesting that his claim has been proven right with how well the 22-year-old performed against Switzerland.
As mentioned, Saka played three positions in total in Dusseldorf on the night for England, and the versatility to play such roles in 120 minutes is nothing short of incredible, and a testament to the Arsenal star’s quality.
READ MORE: Everything to know on Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka from his age, parents and house
Wright said on Saka playing at left-back for England: “If we’re going to be totally honest about him and his levels for England the last two years, I suppose why it went all crazy when about him playing on the left side, the only reason I’m saying that is because you’re looking for a solution to a problem that the manager’s causing in not bringing a back-up left-back.
“And I totally understood Arsenal fans and the way that they kind of came in and said ‘how can you say that?’ The only reason I said it is because he’s capable. In one game he played in three different positions. They feel these Arsenal fans and, well, that they have to protect him because he means so much to Arsenal fans.”
Wright never disrespected Saka after making left-back suggestion
Some of the reaction to Wright’s suggestion that Saka should play at left-back has been quite ridiculous, with some Arsenal fans showing a side that they should be embarrassed about that once again highlighted how terrible social media can be.
Yet as Wright himself said, the recommendation to play Saka at left-back comes from a place of love and respect that the Arsenal winger can do a job there, and that’s exactly what the England star did on Saturday.
The youngster enjoyed one of his finest international performances yet, and with a semi-final against the Netherlands on the horizon, Saka will want to build from his display against Switzerland with something even better on Wednesday.
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