Former Premier League player Danny Murphy believes Arsenal star Bukayo Saka has immense important to club and country.
After picking up a hamstring injury against Greece, the winger has returned to London Colney and is to be assessed ahead of this weekend’s game against Bournemouth.
Saka has once again been vital for Arsenal this season, he leads the Premier League in assists and scored in the Gunners’ champions league win over Paris Saint-Germain.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta says he is amazed at the level Saka has reached this season:
“It’s another step ahead in what he wants, especially when. Do it at home, do it away, do it in big games, do it in some other games, when the team needs it, not when it’s 3-0 – that’s what defines a top, top player.”
“There are the stats and you cannot get away from that. What he’s doing at his age is unbelievable. We have many examples of that as well.”
Danny Murphy says Bukayo Saka is a ‘rare two-way player’
Murphy says one of the defining traits of Saka is how good he is attacking defenders both outside and inside. The pundit wrote in his Daily Mail column:
“One of his biggest weapons is his ability to go both ways – he is just as happy to go on the outside as he is cutting inside. Left-footed players who are comfortable on their right like Saka are a collector’s item and it gives his opposite number something extra thing to think about.”
The former Liverpool and Fulham midfielder added that Saka’s discipline makes him and even better asset in the teams he plays for.
“His discipline really impresses me too. Saka doesn’t get tempted to go searching for the ball if he goes through a quiet period of the game when he is starved of service.”
“He ignores the urge to drop into midfield or wander into the No 10 role to get on the ball and sticks to his position. He knows he is at his most dangerous out on the flanks and his incredible numbers in front of goal vindicates that mindset. Saka is so reliable with his final product and his numbers when it comes to goals and assists are always right up there with the best.”
Latest update on Arsenal star ahead of Bournemouth clash
Saka is currently being assessed at Arsenal but there has been no official update ahead of this weekend. England interim manager Lee Carsley says the injury was less serious than initially feared.
“Bukayo would have been close but it would have been unfair to take a risk with him. He’s a positive person and I expect him to be fine.”
Saka was seen limping after the game where he seemed to pull his hamstring.
