BBC Sport pundit Garth Crooks has slated Bukayo Saka after his stellar showing in Arsenal’s 3-1 win against West Ham for his form in the World Cup.
The popular opinion remains that Saka was England’s best player in Qatar alongside Jude Bellingham.
The Arsenal winger struck an impressive three goals at the World Cup, and backed his output up with a number of sparkling displays.
Perhaps what was telling about Bukayo Saka at the tournament was that in the crunch game against France, he was the Three Lions’ biggest threat.
On a night where several English players were far from their best, the 21-year-old put in his best performance at the World Cup.
Theo Hernandez had a nightmare on his hands in trying to keep the £30,000-a-week ace quiet throughout the contest.
Especially in the 2nd half, as Saka relentlessly ran at the AC Milan left-back and wreaked havoc.
Ultimately, it was also the in-form wideman who won the penalty for Harry Kane’s equaliser early into the 2nd half.
Pundit admits he was not as impressed as others by Saka at the World Cup after Arsenal beat West Ham
However, Garth Crooks was critical of Bukayo Saka for his showings at the World Cup, after putting him in his Team of the Week after starring against West Ham.
“This is a player [Bukayo Saka] who seems to grow after every international tournament. He may have been slightly off the pace when it mattered for England at the World Cup but the confidence he has acquired from being on the biggest stage is clear to see”, he wrote in his column for BBC Sport.
While Garth Crooks was largely complimentary about Bukayo Saka for his display against West Ham, it is strange to discover that he was unimpressed by him at the World Cup.
If anything, Arsenal forward Saka was at his brilliant best when England needed him the most.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
