Bukayo Saka’s performances going under-the-radar in English football
Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka has been filling in admirably at left-back with Tierney and Kolasinac out, but nobody seems to be talking about it.
He started the season in the u23 team. In fact, he hasn’t even been officially called up to the first-team yet! Bukayo Saka has risen to prominence for Arsenal in multiple positions this season, but seems to get drowned out by the success of fellow youngster Gabriel Martinelli.
Over the past few weeks, Arsenal have been forced to play 18-year-old left-winger Bukayo Saka at left-back due to injuries sustained by regular left-backs Kieran Tierney and Sead Kolasinac. While Saka, of course, isn’t a natural defender, he is left-footed, has good pace, and loves getting forward – 3 important traits for a full-back.
Therefore, he has actually adapted quite well to the position, especially with Mikel Arteta bringing a new tactical idea to the fold, where Granit Xhaka drops to an almost interior left-back position in possession, which allows the actual left-back to push forward to influence the final third.
Saka showed what he can do last week against Bournemouth in the FA Cup 4th round, scoring a sensational goal and chipping in with an assist as well for Eddie Nketiah.
Despite Saka’s play at left-back being sublime, it has gone under-the-radar in English football, despite players such as Manchester United’s Brandon Williams and Chelsea’s Reece James receiving unending praise from the media and fans.
Bukayo Saka has had a phenomenal breakthrough season in English football and deserves all the credit in the world for it. The 18-year-old has 3 goals and 6 assists this season in all competitions, but it has been the Europa League where he has impressed the most. 2 goals and 4 assists in 4 group stage matches is a remarkable turn, especially when you consider the fact that Arsenal didn’t have an easy group by any means (Vitoria, Standard Liege, and Frankfurt).