Where does Bukayo Saka fit into Mikel Arteta’s plans?
To me, his current status is very curious, and I am not quite sure what the boss is planning when it comes to this extremely talented young player.
Case in point, Saka didn’t play one minute in the Gunners last two games, including the FA Cup Final. I was absolutely stunned to say the least.
In my opinion, with the exception of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, this player has the most talent on the team.
He came to Arsenal at the age of 8, came up through the club’s Hale End Academy, and made his first team debut in November, 2018.
Since then, he has made 37 appearances for the Gunners, including 28 this past season.
He has played left back, left wing back, left wing, and even some midfield. To me he is a natural left winger due to his terrific ability to attack the defense and finish with a superb cross into the box. Now, if either Aubameyang or Lacazette go, then Saka should be a lock for the left side of the front line. If those two guys end up staying, then his status becomes a question mark. Will he be a starter or a super sub?
I suppose there are a host of formations and scenarios that Arteta could use to provide the 18-year-old with ample playing time to justify signing a new, long term deal. However, right now there are just too many missing pieces of the Arteta puzzle to know exactly where Bukayo Saka fits in.
Cheers, and stay healthy and safe!
Gunner1953
Arsenal defeated Nottingham Forest 3-0 on Saturday in the Premier League to notch the club’s 2,000th top-flight win.
Leicester City has sacked manager Steve Cooper following only two Premier League wins this season.
Manchester City has lost five matches in a row in all competitions while being outscored 4 to 14. City will play Liverpool at Anfield on December 1st.
Nov 30 – West Ham United (A)
Ethan Nwaneri scored his first senior team goal for Arsenal v Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
Saka is 18 and must be managed carefully to avoid early burnout as happened with Jack Wilshere who at 19 excelled in so many games one season and was unable to replicate that in the succeeding 7 seasons!
Having 9 appearances in his breakout season and 28 the next is exactly the type of gradual introduction he needs at this stage of his career.
Hopefully, we can expect as many as another 28 appearances or just slightly more in this coming season before we can expect a fully mature Saka perform week in, week out in the premier league.
COYG!
Bukayo Saka is a good player and I beleive that he will excel at Emirate.