Thierry Henry was left impressed by Bukayo Saka’s performance as Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal secured a 2-0 win over Sevilla in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday night.
Bukayo Saka assisted and scored for Arsenal in another memorable night for the rising England star, with Thierry Henry lauding the youngster.
For such a legendary figure to speak so highly of you must mean something, with Thierry Henry claiming that there was a bit of ‘old school’ nature to the 22-year-old’s performance, as he told CBS Sports on Paramount+ (08/11/23 at 10:40 pm).
This win was much-needed for Mikel Arteta because the club have stopped their run of back-to-back defeats – Newcastle United and West Ham United.
It also shuts off the outside noise stemming from the club’s annoyance at VAR – Thierry Henry expressed his ‘surprise’ at Arteta’s behaviour.
Either way, when talking about what the team is doing out on the pitch, Bukayo Saka rightfully got his flowers for another Man of the Match display.
Bukayo Saka v Sevilla
“I was a little disappointed with Sevilla, but we know it’s not easy, at the moment, to go and play at the Emirates,” said Henry.
“I thought Arsenal were just magnificent, especially Bukayo Saka. He was involved in the two goals, with an assist and a goal. It’s just old school shall we say with Bukayo Saka, even though he is a young guy.
On Trossard’s goal: “What a pass from Jorginho and you will see the run of Bukayo Saka. And the tap-in, once again tonight like I mentioned before, for Leandro Trossard. But I liked the run in-behind. Sometimes you need to surprise the fullback like that. Not always ask for the ball at your feet. It was great.
On Saka’s goal “Again, what a finish there. Would you have kept him (defender) on his right foot? You would have tried. It’s a great, great finish from Bukayo. But why are you over-committing? Great finish from Bukayo.”
Bukayo Saka – one of Europe’s best
Before this season, one thing missing from Saka’s CV was playing and performing in the Champions League.
This wasn’t a case of Saka not being able to do it, but needing the platform to show the world that he is good enough to reach that level.
And surprise, surprise, he is shining bright and proving why he is perhaps Arsenal’s best player and one of the best players in Europe.
Not forgetting what he is also doing on the international stage because, amongst superstars, from Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham to Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane, he can put his name up with them all.
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