Ian Wright launches passionate defence of ‘real deal’ Bukayo Saka amid Vinicius Jr comparisons

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Arsenal proved they are genuine contenders for the Champions League this season with a 3-0 demolition of Real Madrid.

Opta’s supercomputer makes Arsenal favourites to win their first ever Champions League trophy and elevate Mikel Arteta and his side to immortal status amongst fans.

However, trophies are not won on paper and the Gunners will know that they face a tough task in the Bernabeu despite Real Madrid needing to create history but overturning a three goal deficit for the first time.

Jakub Kiwior was praised by his Arsenal team mates following his display against the Spanish giants and club legend Ian Wright has also launched a passionate defence of another Gunners star following comparisons to Vinicius Jr.

READ MORE: Thierry Henry reveals why he looks ‘upset’ in his Arsenal statue, Tottenham fans will hate it

Ian Wright defends Bukayo Saka amid Vinicius Jr comparison

Rio Ferdinand wrote Arsenal off before their tie with Real Madrid and many pundits and football followers believed that the Gunners were just too inferior to their Spanish counterparts.

Bukayo Saka was asked Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo before the match, implying that the Hale End star still had a way to go to reach their heights and Wright has launched a passionate defence of Saka’s ability.

Speaking on the latest episode of his podcast Wrighty’s House, he stated: “Did you see the interview that Saka did with the Champions League when they asked him about Vinnie Jr [Vinicius Jr] and Rodrygo? And you could see in his eyes that he kind of went ‘here we go’.”

The former Gunners striker went on to explain his belief that Saka already is on the level of the Real Madrid stars and has proved that with performances this season despite not being fully fit.

Wright explained: “For them to ask the question like ‘Ooh I’m trying to reach their level’ this and that. At 50% fit, he was more than at their level last night. Because let’s face it, Alaba is no mug in respect of what he’s doing.

“We saw What Mendes did at PSG to Salah and we saw what Saka did to Mendes. At some stage they’re going to actually say ‘yeah, this guy is the real deal’.”

Bukayo Saka match statistics v Real Madrid

On his first start since returning from a major injury requiring hamstring surgery, Saka was majestic on the right wing during Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Real Madrid.

As Wright mentioned, the Gunners star had David Alaba twisting and turning and in the end, Madrid resorted to kicking Saka as he went off with a knock with around 15 minutes remaining.

Declan Rice credited Saka for his part in the opening goal as he told Rice to have a shot despite differing instructions from set piece coach Nicolas Jover.

Thierry Henry praised Saka’s performance and now Arteta needs to wrap his star man in cotton wool ready for the return fixture at the Bernabeu and hopefully beyond in the competition.