As he led Arsenal to a 3-0 Champions League victory over Monaco, Bukayo Saka once again demonstrated his value as one of the top attackers in the world.
As Mikel Arteta’s team virtually guaranteed their spot in the knockout stages, the England forward scored a goal with a poacher’s finish each side of halftime and then assisted Kai Havertz with a third goal.
With nine goals and 12 assists in 21 games in all competitions, Saka is poised to have one of his best seasons yet, even though Arsenal may have fallen behind leaders Liverpool by six points in the Premier League title chase.
In 47 appearances in all competitions last season, he scored 20 goals and provided 14 assists.
The query is, how good can Saka become?
The figures underlying Saka’s ascent
Saka’s growth has been remarkable since he made his European debut in the Europa League in 2018 at the age of 17.
He is currently 23 years old and has participated in seven Champions League matches at the Emirates Stadium, tallying seven goals and dishing out four assists.
Only Vinicius Jr. (16), Antoine Griezmann (13) and Harry Kane (18) have contributed to more Champions League goals since the beginning of the previous season than Saka (8 goals and six assists).
He has more goals and assists than any other player in that time frame, having done it five times in a single Champions League match.
The only Premier League player with more goal involvements (28) than Saka (21) throughout all competitions this season is Mohamed Salah.
The forward for the Gunners in the Premier League has 52 goals and 44 assists totalled 96 goal involvements. He will become the fourth youngest player in history to achieve the 100-point mark if he does so by the end of April, following Robbie Fowler (22y 166d), Wayne Rooney (22y 122d), and Michael Owen (22y 57d).
“Very humble—everyone loves him.”
Following Wednesday’s triumph, Arsenal manager Arteta spoke to TNT Sports and commended Saka’s contribution to his side.
He remarked, “He looks really mature,” “At his age, he has already accomplished amazing things in the game. incredibly talented, really modest, and a pleasure to be around.
“He is a unique individual. His leadership is growing in his role. He is fantastic with both young children and seniors. Everyone adores him, and he makes a difference on the pitch.
When Saka ran straight to Myles Lewis-Skelly to praise the 18-year-old full-back for his role in the opening goal against Monaco, it was evident that he had a strong bond with Arsenal’s younger players.
Not even Arsenal legend Thierry Henry, who coached Saka while working at the club’s academy, expected him to become this good.
“He’s my favourite player, he’s been there for so long and he’s so nice. I never thought he would reach the levels we are seeing,” Henry said on BBC Football Focus.
“He’s a starter for Arsenal, he’s a starter for England. I remember when he started he was playing wing-back and the evolution of his game is outstanding because he used to be so lively, to now scoring goals and assists.”
The scary thing for opposition fans is Saka looks like he could get even better.
“Every decision he makes is the right decision,” Karen Carney said on TNT Sports.
“For someone that young to be that good – it’s scary how good he will be in three or four years.”
When asked how he would attempt to stop Saka, former Manchester City and QPR defender Nedum Onuoha joked on Match of the Day: “I would not even bother.
“His impact is tremendous, he’s developing and he’s always a big threat.”
