Ian Wright has suggested to the Wrighty’s House podcast that Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has told his players to stay away from Bukayo Saka when he is running with the ball now.
Saka’s dribbling skill came to the fore at the weekend, in Arsenal’s 4-0 win over Leeds United.
The youngster was once again a constant threat down Arsenal’s right, as the Gunners put Leeds to the sword in the first-half.
And Wright thought it was noticeable that Saka was being left in space by his Arsenal teammates when he was on the ball at the weekend.
He said: “That man has to be played in an offensive role for Arsenal. He should be where he can do his most damage. At the moment it’s from he right.
“What’s noticeable is what happens to experienced players, when you know what they’re capable of.
“Like when Aubameyang gets the ball and cuts in from the left, nobody is going over there. Nobody is going over to close that space to bring another defender in the way.
“You notice that when Saka got through and had the penalty shout exactly the same respect he get shown.
“That is when you know when someone has gone to another level.
“They’re saying ‘he’s in his place, don’t crowd him now. Leave him’.
“You can see that Mikel has probably said when Saka gets the ball here stay away from him, because he’s going to beat them. I’m so excited about him.”
Saka has certainly elevated himself from a player who was regarded as an emerging prospect into a key star for Arsenal’s side already.
The teenager must be in with a chance of winning Arsenal’s player of the season award despite his tender years, due to the consistency of his performances.
Saka is now one of the first names on Arteta’s side’s teamsheet, and continues to go from strength to strength.
It will be interesting to see whether Arteta backs Saka to start this evening, with Arsenal set to take on Benfica later today in the Europa League.
Wrighty’s House is the latest podcast from The Ringer with host Ian Wright with new episodes every Wednesday. The podcast will be available exclusively on Spotify. You can listen here.
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