Mikel Arteta gives response on whether Arsenal star Bukayo Saka is ‘world-class’

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Mikel Arteta was recently asked if Bukayo Saka should be considered a world class player.

In the last couple of seasons, Bukayo Saka has established himself as one of the most important players in the Arsenal squad. 

Despite being just 22-years-old, the Hale End academy graduate is already a talismanic figure for the north London club.

Saka has been in fine form so far this season. The winger has already contributed six goals and nine assists, across all competitions, in eighteen appearances.

His importance to Mikel Arteta has been underlined by the amount of game time he enjoys under the Spanish coach’s watch. On top of that, earlier this season, the manager confirmed that Saka has now officially been made part of the ‘leadership group’ within the squad at the Emirates Stadium.

Premier League clubs wary of Arsenal ace

Opponents are now as aware of Saka’s quality as Arteta and the Arsenal fanbase. The winger is now regularly doubled-up on and targeted by defenders. Saka has spoken out publicly about the challenge this poses to him, and how he must constantly strive to find new solutions for overcoming this additional attention.

The reason Saka is the recipient of this extra focus from defenders is obvious. He has punished every defence that has allowed him to. Along with iconic former Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane, he is one of only two Premier League players to have ever made a goal contribution against every club he has ever faced in the competition.

Saka’s output, in terms of goals, assists, and chances created in the Premier League, over the course of 2023, puts him in a class of his own. 

At international level, Saka has also managed to shine. He has 32 England caps, and 11 goals to his name, and has played a pivotal role for Gareth Southgate’s side in two tournaments, EURO 2020 and the 2022 World Cup.

He has twice been named England Men’s Player of the Year, in 2022 and 2023. The attacker has also twice picked up the Arsenal Player of the Season gong.

Is Bukayo Saka world class?

Now, Arteta has been asked if Saka can be considered world class. As quoted by football.london, the Arsenal boss said, “he plays in the World Cup and plays for the national team so I don’t know what that means but he is a top, top player that’s for sure.”

For obvious reasons, Arteta is reluctant to burden Saka with additional pressure by bestowing such a label upon him. Equally, the youngster cannot lay claim to the silverware that usually comes with being one of the best players in the world. It could be argued that Saka cannot be considered world class until he has some major honours under his belt.

In any case, Saka clearly has the potential to become one of the finest players of his generation. He could easily be included in that category already.