Joe Cole has told BT Sport’s coverage of Arsenal beating Bodo/Glimt 1-0 away from home in Norway that Bukayo Saka is a “gem” and already one of the “leaders” in Mikel Arteta’s side – as he scored the only goal of the game on Thursday.
Coming into the lengthy trip after a stunning 3-2 win over Liverpool at The Emirates, Arsenal were tasked with facing Bodo/Glimt in tricky conditions. Away in Norway, they were forced to play in the cold – on a quick-paced astroturf.
The Gunners were not at their best, and arguably, Bodo/Glimt created more chances the the Gunners. But they found USA international Matt Turner in good form – as the Gunners stopper secured his second clean sheet in his third game.
But it was Saka, having netted a brace on Sunday, to get his name on the score sheet and prove to be the difference. His initial shot, after drifting past the left-back was saved, but the rebound Saka and went in. Cole raved about the ace.
“You have to understand how young he is, 21, how young he is in his career. Such a gem, already so experienced – he takes responsibility, one of the leaders. He’s got the speed, a fantastic footballer. Arsenal have got to tie him down.”
Cole: Saka is a gem and already one of Arsenal leaders
With every minute he gets under the guidance of Arteta, the more and more he seems to grow. Saka is already becoming one of the Premier League’s best attacking players from out wide. As Cole reminds all, he is still only 21.
In just 12 games this season, he has eight goal involvements – with two of those outings being from the bench. Four goals, four assists. He is as potent as he is creative. If the Gunners do not tie Saka down, they are losing a superstar.
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