It has been decided that Bukayo Saka will wear the captain’s armband when Arsenal take on Inter Milan in a Champions League showdown on Wednesday.
The Hale End academy graduate has skippered the North London side on occasions in the past, and it is a testament to the faith that Mikel Arteta has in him that he is afforded such an honour.
Bukayo Saka is part of the Arsenal leadership group, and despite being just 23-years-old, he is a player and character of enormous stature within the Gunners’ dressing room.
He has shown on many occasions in the past that he is capable of taking on responsibility and stepping up to the plate for Arsenal, and he will be expected to do so again at the San Siro.
Mikel Arteta makes Bukayo Saka admission ahead of Champions League clash
Arteta has made no secret of his admiration for Saka.
Speaking in his press conference ahead of his side’s encounter with the Italian outfit, the Spanish coach explained what attributes the attacker has that make him captain material.
He said: “Especially the way people look at him. People admire him people respect him, they want to be next to him.”
Arteta then included the rather more strange observation: “He has a particular way of smiling,” clearly indicating that Saka has a warmth and approachability that puts others around him at ease.
He continued: “He’s one of our leaders right now. He’s one of our biggest players and our biggest talents. He’s earned that status in the team right now.”
Saka has discussed his captaincy style at Arsenal, and whilst he is not necessarily the most bombastic figure, it is clear that he has an air of authority.
- READ MORE: A timeline of every Arsenal captain during the Premier League era from Tony Adams to Martin Odegaard
Why will Saka be Arsenal captain vs Inter Milan?
Of course, Saka is not the Gunners’ usual captain. That honour belongs to Martin Odegaard.
However, the Norwegian playmaker has been sidelined with injury since damaging his ankle ligaments whilst on international duty in September. During his absence, other players, including Saka, have stepped up to wear the armband.
For instance, Gabriel Magalhaes captained Arsenal against Bournemouth, and Jorginho has also stepped in to skipper the side in the past.
Odegaard may make his Arsenal return vs Inter Milan, having travelled with the squad to Italy. However, the 25-year-old is not yet fit enough to be included in the starting XI, which is why Saka will be the one to lead his teammates out for this Champions League fixture.
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