Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has put Bukayo Saka in the bracket of world class after he starred in the Gunners’ 3-0 win over AS Monaco in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday night, Afrosport reports.
The 23-year-old of Nigerian heritage scored twice and provided an assist as the North London strengthened their hopes for automatic qualification into the Champions League round of 16.
It took Saka to 21 goal involvements (nine goals, 12 assists) in as many games this season and Arteta believes he will only get better with more games under his belt.
“You have to be able to do that consistently throughout many years to put yourself in that position,” Arteta said.
“What he’s done at his age, obviously, you can already put it in brackets because you can compare what he’s done in his first six years of professional football, which is exceptional, you know, and that’s it.
“And his aim is to improve, he has the players and the environment around to continue to do that. And I’m sure he will.”
19 – Only Mohamed Salah (16 goals, 12 assists) has been involved in more goals in all competitions among Premier League players this season than Bukayo Saka (8 goals, 11 assists). Production. pic.twitter.com/4kOQLSEs1D
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 11, 2024
Arteta added: “Well, he keeps surprising us, but that’s what he wants to do. That’s the quality he has, that’s the ambition that he is acting on and preparing himself every single day. So I’m not surprised. But it’s very difficult to do what he’s doing.
“He’s developed in the right way, mentally, physically, his condition, his preparation. Now he’s got the habit to play every three days and he’s consistently doing it at theqll highest level.
“I think he’s continued to that and for the youngest players and for the old ones and for all of us, he’s a great example because how he behaves daily and because what he wants to do with us is try to have his best version every day and continue to improve. That’s it.”
Saka will next be involved in a Premier League home tie with Everton on Saturday afternoon.
