Mikel Arteta told Sky Sports that Bukayo Saka makes ‘a lot of good decisions’ for Arsenal.
A teenager full of quality and ability to play in various roles, Saka has been used far and wide by Arsenal since he was provided with his breakthrough moment by the now-departed Unai Emery.
From playing at left-back, on the attacking flanks to playing as quick-thinking number ten, Saka’s talents are there for all to see.
And Arteta, who has managed Saka for over a year now, shared what sets him apart from others.
“Intelligence,” said Arteta. “We talk about physicality, we talk about spirit, we talk about technique. But the brain is the one that makes all the decisions.
“‘B’ makes a lot of good decisions because he is such an intelligent player who can read situations.
“After that, of course, he has the ability to execute them the right way and that’s obviously a big quality.”
Not many teams in world football are relying on a 19-year-old to take them forward, but that’s the situation Arsenal find themselves in.
Europe via the Premier League looks pretty difficult, but winning the Europa League outright is their last proper chance.
And Saka will have to work his magic against his former coach, Emery, who is waiting in the wings with Villarreal.
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