Alan Smith told Sky Sports during their live coverage of Arsenal’s win against Leeds on Sunday that Bukayo Saka’s ability to affect games at his age is ‘some attribute’.
The 19-year-old is the one leading Arsenal’s hopes of reaching Europe after a pretty abject first half of the season.
It’s not the senior players, or the ones with bucket loads of experience who are picking Arsenal up from the floor, but an Ealing-born teenager who has come through the club’s ranks.
On Sunday, Saka won a penalty, which was converted by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, as the Gunners recorded a much-needed win and Highbury legend Smith was once again impressed by what he is seeing.
“He’s had another really good game, Bukayo Saka,” said Smith. “But he invariably affects the game.
“Good for a youngster that. Some attribute. Still a teenager. What a future ahead of him. He’s leading the bunch (highest goalscoring teenager in the Premier League this season).”
Saka will be on the shortlist for the Young Player of the Year when the final ball is kicked this season, but he faces some serious company for that award.
One man, in particular, Phil Foden, is the one who is his biggest threat for that title, and if his form continues and Man City win the title, then Saka may just miss out.
But it won’t hide the fact that he has, not just performed at such a high standard for his age, but done it in a team seriously struggling.
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