Player Spurs sold now backed to challenge Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka

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Former Tottenham Hotspur winger Marcus Edwards is being backed to compete with Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka in the England setup.

Tottenham offloaded Marcus Edwards but he is now being likened to Arsenal wide man Bukayo Saka.

That is the verdict of Carlos Freitas, who signed Edwards for Portuguese side Vitoria Guimaraes back in 2019.

Edwards as a top prospect in the Tottenham Hotspur ranks and was even likened to Lionel Messi by Mauricio Pochettino way back in 2016.

Edwards was never able to make the breakthrough into first-team action at Tottenham though, and struggled on loan at Norwich City and Excelsior.

Spurs decided to flog Edwards in 2019, allowing him to leave permanently for Portuguese side Vitoria.

Marcus Edwards has excelled since Tottenham exit

Edwards racked up 20 goals and 14 assists in 96 games for Vitoria, getting his career firmly back on track.

Sporting pounced in January 2022 and Edwards continues to shine with 16 goals and 17 assists in 72 games.

Edwards’ start to this season has been a little slower than hoped but the 24-year-old is still showing his quality in Portugal.

Tottenham were given a first-hand view of Edwards’ development as he twice excelled against Spurs in the Champions League, including a goal in North London.

Some have wondered whether Edwards could return to England one day – but he is know being backed for international action.

Edwards backed for England call-up

Carlos Freitas – the sporting director who signed Edwards for Vitoria – has now spoken about the winger.

Speaking to A Bola, Freitas noted that he believes Edwards does have the talent and potential to play for England.

Freitas believes that Edwards is a difficult player to find due and could play a role for Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions.

Freitas believes that Edwards could be ideal as competition for Arsenal star Bukayo Saka.

Both are wingers who love to play on the right side and cut in on their left foot, with Edwards now backed for England honours after being axed by Spurs.

“He has the characteristics and potential for this,” said Freitas. “He is a difficult player to find with the qualities he has in one-on-one and he is very strong in reduced spaces, he can be a central player.”

“I see him, for example, taking the place of Bukayo Saka, who is a more explosive player, who benefits from playing at a club like Arsenal, but is also not continuous throughout the season,” he added.