Arteta reveals ‘something rare to see’ in Arsenal's starboy Saka

FOOTBALL Arteta reveals ‘something rare to see’ in Arsenal's starboy Saka

Kiplagat Sang • 11:45 - 29.03.2023

The forward continues to earn praise with impressive England and Arsenal performances.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has lauded winger Bukayo Saka and pointed out what makes him a rare player.

Saka is one of the outstanding stars for the Premier League-chasing Gunners, and Arteta is pleased with Saka’s consistency but admits the youngster still has room for development.

"First of all, I think you have to recognise what he's been doing. The consistency he's shown at his age and at this level is something rare to see. He's taken it with normality," said Arteta.

"If you ask me if he has room for improvement, I would say: 'Yes - a lot.' He's never satisfied, he always wants more, and he can still do a lot of things better and more efficiently.

The Spanish manager has started the England international in every one of Arsenal's league fixtures this season.

There are also ongoing talks over a new deal to extend the contract, which expires in 2024.

Meanwhile, former Arsenal defender Kolo Toure has explained why the club must offer Saka a long-term contract.

"First advice to Arsenal is to make sure Bukayo Saka is signed for 10 years," said the Ivorian, who was part of the Invincibles, the last Gunners side to lift the league title in 2004.

"Arsenal made a few mistakes, in my opinion, when they had homegrown players or key players that really love the club and they let them go.

"You have to keep those players because these are the players that are going to lead the team for you. These are the players you can rely on."

As Arsenal enjoy an eight-point advantage ahead of second-placed Manchester City, Saka has scored 12 goals and claimed 10 assists in 28 matches.

Only Manchester City’s Erling Haaland and Tottenham Hotspur’s Harry Kane have more goals and assists combined than Saka in the top flight this season.

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