Arsenal star Bukayo Saka has been deemed the third-best young footballer in the world by ESPN.
On Wednesday, the American outlet published their list of the 39 best players aged 21 or under.
In addition, Saka is the best-ranked Premier League player and one of two Arsenal players to make the cut.
Gabriel Martinelli is also in the top ten, making the list at number seven.
Saka has been one of Arsenal’s main success stories from the academy in recent years.
He has already clocked up 169 competitive appearances for the Gunners and 26 England caps.
Saka’s efforts this season have helped the Gunners remain top of the Premier League table by eight points.
His heroics have been rewarded with a spot in ESPN’s chart, behind only Pedri and Jude Bellingham.
‘The main creative catalyst behind Arsenal’s unexpected challenge for the Premier League title this season,’ they wrote.
‘Saka, a converted left-back, has blossomed into one of the best right-wingers in the game.
‘He has hit double figures for goals and assists, while also proving an inspirational presence for England at the World Cup.
‘With his ability to make an impact at the highest level, the down-to-earth Saka has taken every challenge in stride.’
The best is yet to come for Saka and Arsenal
There’s not really much else about Saka that hasn’t already been said.
He is a world-class player, a star for club and country, and has so much more room to grow and develop.
Hopefully it won’t be long before Arsenal get his signature on a new long-term contract.
This is absolutely crucial for the north Londoners, but all the signs and reports suggest things are heading in the right direction.
Everything at the Emirates Stadium is well-placed for the Gunners to return to the levels of the early Arsene Wenger days.
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