Bukayo Saka once again proved his status as one of the world’s elite attackers, leading Arsenal to a commanding 3-0 Champions League win over Monaco.
The English forward displayed his clinical edge, scoring a goal in each half before providing an assist for Jai Havertz’s strike, moving Mikel Arteta;s side closer to securing their spot in the knockout stages.
Despite Arsenal trailing Premier League leaders Liverpool by six points, Saka is on track for a career-best season, tallying nine goals and 12 assists in 21 matches across all competitions. This builds on his impressive record last seson, where he netted 20 goals and contributed 14 assists in 47 appearances.
Saka’s rapid development since his 2018 Europa League debut at 17 has been remarkable. At just 23, he has already made seven Champions League appearances at the Emirates, scoring seven times and assisting in four.
In fact, since the start of last season, only Harry Kane (18), Vinicius Jr. (16), and Antoine Griezmann (13) have been involved in more goals than Saka, who boasts eight goals and six assists in the competition. Additionally, Saka has scored and assisted in the same Champions League match on five occasions during this period – more than any other player.
In all competitions, Mohammed Salah is the only Premier League player with more goal involvements (28) than Saka’s 21. Domestically, the Arsenal star has registered 96 goal involvements (52 goals and 44 assists) in the Premier League. If Saka reaches 100 by April’s end, he will join an elite group as the fourth-youngest player to achieve this milestone, following Michael owen, Wayne Rooney, and Robbie Fowler.
Speaking on TNT Sports after Arsenal’s victory on Wednesday, Manager Mikel Arteta lauded Bukayo Saka’s immense contribution to the team.
“He looks really mature,” he said. “What he has already done in the game at his age is incredible. Very humble, a great guy to have around and an incredible talent.
“He’s a special person. In his role, his leadership is increasing. With the young kids he is amazing, with the seniors he is amazing. He is loved by everybody and he makes the difference on the pitch.”
Saka’s bond with arsenal’s younger players was evident when he immediately celebrated with 18-year-old Miles Lewis-Skelly, acknowledging the full back’s role in creating the opening goal against Monaco.
Even Arsenal‘s legend Thierry Henry, who coached saka during his time at the club’s academy, admitted he didn’t foresee this level of excellence.
“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 shared 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.”
For opposing teams, the most daunting prospect is that saka seems positioned to improve even further.
“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 defend against 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.”
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