After a relatively slow start to the season, Bukayo Saka has looked back to his brilliant best for Arsenal.
With 4 goals and 5 assists to his name in the Premier League so far, there is a case to be made for the Hale End graduate to be the best winger in the country currently.
For England as well, there are not many superior performers than the youngster.
The 21-year old’s starring display off the bench in the Three Lions’ 3-3 draw against Germany in the Nations League is testament to how he always rises to the occasions for his nation.
At Euro 2020 as well, Saka was in supreme touch and barring an unfortunate missed penalty in the shootout right at the death, he enjoyed a stellar tournament.
However, former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Jamie O’Hara has suggested that he would rather see Marcus Rashford start instead of Bukayo Saka for Gareth Southgate’s side at the Qatar World Cup.
“I would actually start him (Rashford). I would start him for England. I’d play [Raheem] Sterling as well, I wouldn’t play [Phil] Foden or [Jack] Grealish”, he said on talkSPORT.
As Laura Woods tried to confirm whether he would not start Bukayo Saka, O’Hara replied, “When I’ve watched England in the past, when I really enjoyed watching England, a while ago because it’s not been great recently because we play this 3-4-3 that he likes to play.
When I really enjoyed us, was when Rashford, Kane and Sterling played as a front-three. And Rashford was brilliant, he was in great form then he completely went off the boil got an injury, done his back. He hasn’t really come back and been the same player. But now he’s coming back and he’s that player again.”
The ex-Spurs star continued, “I think he’s a massive problem for us because the issue I have when England play is everything is in front. Kane drops deep, Grealish comes to feet, Foden comes to feet
I think pace scares teams, especially in the World Cup. If they’re too good defensively, they’re too organised and you play in front of teams, you’re not going to break them down. And that’s why we get amazed at Saka and Sterling, Saka’s direct as he gets the ball and goes past people. That’s what Rashford was doing.
If you play Rashford, who can get behind and you play Sterling who can get behind – I think he’s a serious threat. That for me is why I would play him.”
Ultimately, it is unlikely that Gareth Southgate reciprocates Jamie O’Hara’s suggestion as Bukayo Saka is one of his most trusted performers.
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