Arsenal talent Bukayo Saka has told BeIN Sports that Mikel Arteta is ‘always’ telling him how to get an advantage over opponents.
The Gunners have had a mixed season, with Arteta coming under huge pressure earlier this season before turning things around.
Arteta will be seeking a big win over North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur today, and Saka could play a key role in any chance of victory.
In what has been a rather up-and-down campaign, Saka has been a shining beacon of consistency, winning the hearts of Arsenal fans along the way.
The 19-year-old has racked up five goals and two assists in the Premier League, whilst also adding a goal and three assists in the Europa League.
Saka’s importance is summed up by the number of positions he has played in; left wing back, central midfield, right wing, left wing – it doesn’t matter, Saka contributes massively.
The teenager has now admitted that Arteta is always telling him how to be proactive and gain an advantage over opponents, praising the Arsenal boss for his input.
Saka feels that Arteta is helping him find space and anticipate the game, believing that advice has really helped his development whilst praising Arteta as a ‘top manager’.
“He’s always telling me how to be one step ahead of the opponents and always to try and be proactive instead of reactive,” said Saka. “That means just instead of reacting, always being ahead of the game and trying to read where the space is going to be and be there a step earlier, so that I can have a bit more time and make a better decision because there will be less pressure on me.”
“I feel like that has really helped, so that’s why I would say he’s a top manager and I appreciate the advice and information he gives me,” he added.
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