Bukayo Saka has been at his best for Arseanl FC in the Premier League this season. The 21-year-old is one of them shooting stars of the league and symbolizes the success of the table leader. On the way to their first championship in 19 years, Saka and Arsenal play the home game against penultimate AFC Bournemouth on Saturday (04.03.23).
A few football terms can be used to describe Bukayo Saka’s opening goal in the 4-0 win over Everton FC: callous, uncompromising, ice cold. Somewhere also elegant and lightning fast.
Saka gets the pass with his back to the box on the edge of the penalty area, turns around as he accepts the ball and hammers the ball with his (allegedly) weak right foot into the short corner under the crossbar. A sequence of movements as if cast from a single mould.
“He wants to be played in this situation and makes great use of this gap. A brilliant scene with a brilliant ending.”said legendary striker Michael Owen.
Key players on offense
Saka has contributed ten goals and nine assists so far this Premier League season, which means that he already has one compared to last season scorerpoint more on the account.
His influence on the league leaders’ games extends far beyond the statistics sheet. Saka regularly winds his way around opponents, putting his teammates in the limelight and creating space and scoring chances.
The 21-year-old likes to pick up the pace in the direction of the penalty area, creating an average of 4.43 “shot-producing actions” per 90 minutes (e.g. through his own shots, passes or free-kicks).
Praise from Chiellini
It’s no news to Saka that his speed dribbling has repeatedly put him through the paces of defences.
“He’s used to it. A type of player like him, a talented winger, gets kicked and fouled. It’s part of his role. It’s normal for opponents to try to stop creative players in this way.”Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said at a press conference.
Just how unstoppable Saka can be was revealed to Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini in the final of the 2020 European Championship after winning the youngsters could only stop after losing the ball with a textile sample of the roughest kind. “It was the only way to get him. Then as now,” Chiellini told the “Mirror“.
Saka takes a stand against racism
A good half hour later, the then 19-year-old took penalties – and missed. Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford and Saka were met with an unprecedented wave of hatred and racism from parts of the English fans in the wake of the defeat in the final and the missed penalties.
Saka withdrew for a few days, received encouragement and support from players, family and large parts of the fan scene – and published a statement that was seen and appreciated millions of times on social networks.
In it he wrote: “It was an honor for me to play for England. (…) I knew immediately that a lot of hate was going to come my way. Thanks for all the lovely letters and support during this time. Racism and hate in football and in no other area of society.”
Arteta builds on dynamic duo
He has played 15 games for the national team since the European Championship final, scoring six goals and putting on four more. In the 2021/22 season, he was named Best International Player by the FA – the Arsenal winger garnered the most votes in the fan vote.
At club level, coach Arteta raves about the rapid development and said about Saka and Gabriell Martinelli, who is also one of the offensive pillars: “They are curious, they want to learn every day. They can’t get enough information. If you have that attitude and you’re talented at the same time, you have a good future.”
To what extent Saka will help shape the future at Arsenal remains to be seen. The contract of the home-grown is to be extended. Both sides should at one deal to be interested in. It would be extremely important for Arsenal if the unstoppable could last at least a few more years.