Bukayo Saka is being hailed as Arsenal’s answer to Mohamed Salah, and for good reason. The 23-year-old has the talent, temperament, and consistency needed to become the Premier League’s best—if he can maintain his brilliance week in and week out.
Saka’s Impact in High-Stakes Matches
Wednesday night’s Champions League victory over Monaco highlighted Saka’s vital role for Arsenal. While others missed key opportunities, Saka delivered with calm precision. He scored twice, opening the game with a clinical finish just before halftime and sealing the win with a decisive goal in the 78th minute.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta praised Saka’s influence, saying, “He is loved by everybody, and he makes the difference on the pitch.” Saka has already contributed to 21 goals this season, second only to Mohamed Salah’s 28 in the Premier League.
A Leader Beyond His Years
Despite his youth, Saka is seen as a leader at Arsenal. His maturity and humility have impressed Arteta, who noted, “What he’s achieved at his age is incredible. He’s humble, special, and growing as a leader.”
Saka’s mentorship was evident during the Monaco clash when he encouraged 18-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly, who became Arsenal’s youngest Champions League starter in 13 years. Saka’s words to him were simple yet powerful: “This is your level.”
Closing the Gap to ‘World-Class’ Status
While some, like Rio Ferdinand, have debated whether Saka is “world-class,” the winger is steadily proving his credentials. His performances in this season’s Champions League have been outstanding, with eight goals and six assists in just 14 appearances since debuting in the competition last year.
Arteta acknowledges that consistency is key to Saka’s rise. “To be called world-class, you must deliver consistently over many years,” he said. With the environment and teammates to push him, Saka is poised to do just that.
Can Arsenal Match His Ambitions?
As Arsenal push for glory in the Premier League and Champions League, questions remain about their ability to retain Saka long-term if they fail to secure major trophies. Club legend Alan Smith commented, “Top-class players like Saka need a club that’s challenging for honours. If Arsenal falter, it could make staying difficult.”
Following Salah’s Footsteps
Salah remains the Premier League’s benchmark, combining consistency and game-winning impact. This season, the Liverpool star has contributed to goals in nearly every match. Saka has the potential to reach this level, though it will take time.
Former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit compared the two, saying, “It’s like choosing between a Lamborghini and an Aston Martin.” While Salah has years of dominance under his belt, Saka’s journey is just beginning.
The Road Ahead
Saka’s evolution has been nothing short of remarkable. From playing as a wing-back to becoming Arsenal’s talisman, his growth has been fueled by relentless work ethic and a hunger for improvement.
As Arsenal’s key player, Saka must now aim to deliver consistently while helping his team achieve silverware. If he can, there’s no reason why he can’t become one of the Premier League’s all-time greats, following in Salah’s footsteps.
The question remains: can Bukayo Saka truly match Mohamed Salah’s level and redefine Arsenal’s future? Only time will tell.
SOURCE: Goal.com
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