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Arteta Sees Potential in Saka’s Evolution
Mikel Arteta has expressed confidence that Bukayo Saka could follow in the footsteps of his idol, Cristiano Ronaldo, by transitioning into a world-class centre-forward. The 23-year-old winger, who has made a significant impact at Arsenal, is seen as a player with the potential to evolve his game further.
From Youth to Stardom
Starting his journey at Arsenal’s Hale End academy, Saka has made remarkable strides since his debut six years ago. Initially deployed as a left-back during Arteta’s early tenure, he has transformed into an indispensable winger for both Arsenal and the England national team. His rise has surprised many, including those within the club, as he has gone from a promising youth player to a global superstar.
Ronaldo’s Path as a Template
Arteta drew parallels between Saka and Ronaldo, who made his name as a winger at Manchester United before becoming one of the greatest strikers in football history at Real Madrid. When asked about Saka’s future, Arteta stated, “We are thinking about these things,” emphasising the need for the right players around Saka to facilitate this transition.
Saka’s Current Form is Unmatched
With two goals and an assist in Arsenal’s recent 3-0 Champions League victory over Monaco, Saka has now contributed to 21 goals in just 21 games this season. Since the start of last season, only Harry Kane and Vinicius Jr have been involved in more goals than Saka in the Champions League, showcasing his remarkable consistency and talent.
Setting Ambitious Goals
Arteta believes in setting targets for Saka, suggesting that aiming for 30 or 40 goals is a reasonable ambition. However, he stresses the importance of creating a plan to help Saka achieve these goals, highlighting the need for improved understanding and decision-making on the pitch. “When the understanding of the game is strong, the freedom has to increase,” Arteta noted, indicating that Saka’s development is a collaborative effort.
Admiration for Ronaldo’s Work Ethic
Saka has previously spoken about his admiration for Ronaldo, particularly his relentless work ethic and desire to be the best. “He’s one of the best players to ever play football. He is unique,” Saka remarked, acknowledging the differences in their playing styles while still aiming to incorporate elements of Ronaldo’s game into his own.
Young Talent on the Rise
The Arsenal squad is also seeing the emergence of other young talents, such as 18-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly, who recently made his Champions League debut. With injuries affecting some first-team players, including Oleksandr Zinchenko, the opportunity for these young stars to shine is increasing. Arteta has praised the current dressing room environment, stating that it is far removed from the toxic atmosphere he inherited when he took over in December 2019.
Set-Piece Mastery: Arsenal’s New Weapon
Arsenal has become a formidable force when it comes to scoring from corners, netting 22 goals from set-pieces since last season. This statistic places them ahead of rivals like Manchester City and Liverpool. The recent contributions from players like Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka have been instrumental in this success, each providing seven set-piece assists this season.
What Lies Ahead for Arsenal?
As Arsenal continues to chase down league leaders Liverpool, their ability to exploit set-pieces could prove vital. Former United striker Dimitar Berbatov even joked that Arsenal has become the new Stoke City, known for their prowess in set-piece situations. With the right strategies in place, Arteta’s side is poised to continue their impressive form and potentially add more silverware to their cabinet.
