Robert Pires was a world-class winger for Arsenal in his day.
The Frenchman enjoyed an illustrious spell at Highbury, winning two Premier League titles and two FA Cups, whilst scoring 84 goals in 284 appearances in the process.
Arsene Wenger famously substituted Pires in the first-half of the Champions League final in 2006, after Jens Lehmann had been sent off, prompting the wide man to leave N5 in the ensuing summer.
However, this abrupt departure certainly didn’t tarnish Pires’ legacy, and he undoubtedly goes does down as an Arsenal legend, inspiring the next generation of wingers emerging at the club and in football in general.
Robert Pires says Bukayo Saka is one of the best players in Europe
Pires established himself as one of Arsenal’s talismen in the early 2000s, forming a frightening partnership with Thierry Henry.
Arsenal’s modern day electric winger, Bukayo Saka, is no doubt looking to replicate the success that the former France international brought to the North London club.
Saka has been out of action since December due to a hamstring injury, but Pires has still cited him as one of the best players in Europe in his position.
In an interview with the Athletic, Pires broke down what makes Saka so special.
“Bukayo Saka is one of the best players in Europe in his position,” Pires said.
“He has that ability to always get past his opponent. As soon as he receives the ball, if he sees that there’s space behind the defender, he goes for it. I also think he’s progressed a huge amount in his off-the-ball work. He always offers a pass when a team-mate’s on the ball.”
Talking through an assist Saka produced for Kai Havertz earlier this season, Pires noted how impressive the Englishman’s instinctive passing is.
“Here, against Southampton, he makes a very good interception… And then he sees quickly.
“He makes the interception and straight away, he sees where (Kai) Havertz is and gives him the ball immediately. He doesn’t waste any time. Because if you take another touch to control the ball, it’s too late — everything closes up.”
“For this assist against Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup, Saka does everything in the inside-right channel. He can’t show for a pass on the wing because somebody else is there.
“So he opens up the space by coming inside. His control is top: an oriented control towards the goal. And then the pass. Tac. It all goes so quickly.”
Robert Pires names his five favourite wingers in world football right now
In the same interview, Pires named the four wingers alongside Saka who are up there as the best in the continent right now.
The retired footballer claimed that Saka is up there with Mohamed Salah, Vinicius Junior, Raphinha and Yamine Yamal regarding the most talented wide forwards.
Salah has been one of Arsenal’s main nemesis’ for several years now, and the Gunners will hope that he’s unable to maintain his exceptional form for the rest of the season.
On the Egyptian, Pires said: “This season Mo Salah has progressed a huge amount in terms of always being in the right position. With the experience that he has, he senses things.
“He’s always well positioned. And he’s very good at anticipating defensive mistakes. He’s never surprised when the ball comes to him — he’s always ready. As we say here in France, he is irresistible!
“He’s always drawn towards goal, yes. But do you know why? Look at his first touch against Brentford here. Look where the ball goes. Tac.
“Because if the ball stays too close to his feet and the defender comes in, he’s dead. But here, he controls the ball and his foot sends the ball towards goal.”
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