Brendan Rodgers has hailed the qualities of Arsenal’s ‘super footballer’ Bukayo Saka, as he told his pre-match press conference.
At the age of 19, Arsenal aren’t relying on any big-money signings or experienced players to get them out of their mess, but a rising teenage star from their academy.
That was evident in midweek when Saka’s pin-point cross found Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang who helped the Gunners progress to the next round of the Europa League.
Well, Rodgers, who has a track record of bringing through younger players, absolutely loves the player Arsenal have on their books.
“I love his maturity for such a young guy,” said Rodgers. “On the field, he looks like a really bright football player.
“If you are talking about your ideal football player being mentally tough and having the intelligence to play out of different positions, different systems then he’s all of that.
“His intelligence. I have seen him play as a left-back, a left wing-back, central midfield, wide on the right and as a ten.
“He’s such a super football player who can adapt to whatever position they play. He has a massive future ahead of him and I have been really impressed by him and his game.”
Well, Rodgers will be hoping Saka isn’t starting today as Arsenal take on Champions League-chasing Leicester City.
Both teams had Europa League football to contend with at the weekend – the Foxes were knocked out – but those from the East Midlands have more to play for in the Premier League than those from North London.
Therefore, it could be argued that Mikel Arteta should rest Saka, but either way, he’s someone who is now perhaps the first name on their teamsheet.
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