Bukayo Saka has now established himself as a talismanic figure for Arsenal.
The 23-year-old winger is the Gunners’ most potent attacking player, and has already racked up 5 goals and 10 assists in 12 Premier League outings this season.
The consistency that the Hale End academy graduate has produced in recent seasons is particularly impressive given his age, and his importance to this Arsenal team can scarcely be overstated.
Bukayo Saka has sent a warning to Manchester United, letting them know that he will mean business when the two sides meet at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday evening. There is no Arsenal player that the Red Devils will fear facing off against more in North London than the England international.
Mikel Arteta marvels at Bukayo Saka’s progress at Arsenal
Mikel Arteta is abundantly aware of just how special Saka is. The Spanish coach has played a huge role in the forward’s development, handing him responsibilities and opportunities to shine.
Saka has repaid this faith already, and it seems likely that the best is still yet to come.
Speaking to the press ahead of the upcoming showdown against Manchester United, Arteta gave his verdict on the Arsenal star’s progress.
He said: “We always see a shift in Bukayo, every single year. He is providing something else, he is adding things to his game, he is more and more consistent. His numbers in terms of impact, in goals and assists, is incredible at this stage of the season. He can only improve, he can only get better… He wants more.”
Can Bukayo Saka replicate Manchester United icon Cristiano Ronaldo?
In the same press conference, it was also put to Arteta that Saka is known to look up to Cristiano Ronaldo, and may well be on a mission to replicate the Manchester United icon’s achievements.
Arteta responded: “To look is always good. Probably the way Cristiano started his career, when he joined Manchester United, nobody probably expected in the first few seasons to be able to do that. Again, it was about his mentality, his work ethic, how he developed his skill, his chemistry with his team, to play in a team that has the capacity to be dominant is very important.
“I think B has got that context, and he’s aiming for that, and I think it’s a positive thing.”
Ronaldo became a household name at Old Trafford, making his breakthrough as a youngster whilst Sir Alex Ferguson was still at the helm. He won three Premier League titles and a Champions League crown, amongst other honours, in his first stint at the club.
The Portuguese superstar also claimed his first Ballon d’Or whilst he was at Manchester United.
Jorginho believes that Saka could win a Ballon d’Or one day, but the Arsenal ace still has a long way to go if he is to come close to living up to Ronaldo’s legacy.
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