Former Newcastle United goalkeeper Shay Given was impressed by what he saw from Bukayo Saka as Arsenal thrashed Burnley on Saturday.
Bukayo Saka was in fine form as he helped Arsenal to a 5-0 win over Burnley.
Saka has been in electric form for the Gunners of late. In his last four Premier League matches, the 22-year-old has scored six goals, including four in his last two outings. The winger has now bagged back-to-back braces against West Ham United and Burnley.
This has brought the Hale End academy graduate’s tally for the season so far, across all competitions, to 15 goals in 32 appearances. He has also chipped in 13 assists. Saka also recently reached a personal milestone faster than any other Arsenal player since 1978.
Despite all the recent debate about whether or not Saka can be considered a world-class player, the attacker has simply continued to go about his business in ruthlessly efficient fashion. Whether it be from the penalty spot, or with his weaker right foot, the England star has continued to show that he is a reliable goal threat.
Mikel Arteta needed Saka to step up in recent weeks, as the Gunners have been without the injured Gabriel Jesus. In the Brazilian striker’s absence, the winger has truly shone.
Bukayo Saka shines for Arsenal again against Burnley
Shay Given has certainly been impressed by the Arsenal man’s efforts. Speaking on Match of the Day, the BBC pundit reflected upon Saka’s second strike at Turf Moor, saying, “what a finish from that young man.”
Match of the Day host Gary Lineker then chipped in with, “he’s not bad either, is he?”
The former Republic of Ireland international then responded, “he’s not bad either – what a player he is.”
Saka is a talismanic figure at the Emirates Stadium, and it ought not be forgotten how extraordinary what he has achieved at such a young age is. His ability to produce end product so reliably already is remarkable. Saka’s record is already more impressive than Cristiano Ronaldo’s was when the Portuguese superstar was at the same early stage in his career.
Certainly, if Arsenal are to be crowned Premier League champions this season, Saka will have played a huge role in that success. He is a truly special player who should not have his brilliance overlooked simply because he produces it so regularly. Arteta will absolutely recognise that he has a unique, even generational, talent on his hands.
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