Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka received his first England call-up on Thursday. The teenager had a breakthrough campaign last season, scoring four goals and providing 11 assists in all competitions.
The youngster has played in a variety of positions for the Gunners so far. Saka has featured at left-back, on both wings and in midfield. The 19-year-old is destined for big things, and England boss Gareth Southgate has claimed that he is excited to work with him.
He told the Metro: “We’ve been impressed with his progress through our system. I thought at times for Arsenal last year, at times really exciting. Still very young, still learning, of course, but improving all the time. High potential, real good quality.
“Everybody that’s worked with him tells me he’s a very level-headed, intelligent boy. So it’s an area of the pitch we’re keen to look at a different profile of player. He can play a number of different roles very comfortably. We’re excited by what he’s done there. We’re excited by the potential there, we think he can flourish as he gets older.”
Saka has already shown that he isn’t scared to take on some of the best players in the world. The teenager was simply brilliant for Arsenal last term, and his performances earned him a lucrative long-term deal.
Despite naturally being an attacker, Saka’s versatility is his biggest asset. He showed last season that he can have a good impact in the attacking third even when he starts the game as a full-back; something that proved to be extremely beneficial for Arsenal last term.
Saka will get more opportunities at Arsenal this season. His call-up to the national team is huge for his development and, if he can show the kind of form that he showed at the Emirates last term, he will quickly make himself a mainstay in Southgate’s squad.
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