Bukayo Saka: From Starboy to Champion

[Tir Na Nog]

Saka is held back by the other forwards so he ends up carrying our front line alone. Put him in PSG or Barca front 3 and he’d be considered one of the best in the world.

PSG, Barca, Bayern, Liverpool this guy would win the Ballon dOr. It's unbelievable how hampered he is here, especially currently that Ødegaard has gone to ****.

 

[Penn_]

Lahm on Saka:

Saka has made a huge leap in his development under coach Mikel Arteta. He plays with such clarity of thought and vision. I think his threat is most pronounced in the final third. That sounds obvious, but he is always looking to combine with other players and make runs; look at the goal he scored in the Santiago Bernabeu a few weeks ago.


Maybe that part of his game is not celebrated enough. He is clearly a really purposeful and precise dribbler, too, so I think dealing with him as an all-round threat is about cutting off the supply. The best approach is to limit his touches and to try to block the passing lanes around him.


He needs to be isolated.


Make sure he only has poor options around him and, as much as possible, keep him on his weaker right foot.

 

[AberGooner]

Line up the attack/attacking midfield of PSG, Barcelona and I'd say Inter's as well and Saka is the only one who'd get in every one of their sides so, as good as our defence is, we're at a severe disadvantage when it comes to forward play.

Martinelli gets on the end of his cross he has an assist, Mendes not given the foul and Saka has a goal as well. He did fine the other night.

 

[Geofranco]

So im a clown for having a opinion? Lol. You seem to have an opinion as well so what does that make you? My opinion is not even outrageous I just know ball.

I love saka but stating that he is only at 60% is pretty convinient. He was back to the saka we know against madrid and has had a week's rest.

I dont know if doue will fulfil his potential but i know talent when i see it. Definately more naturally talented than saka. Both him and dembele are. They have beautiful balance on both feet and can go either way, alot of flair and just that little bit more accelleration in the first few steps. Doue came on as a sub at anfield and displayed more skill there than saka has in however many years he has played there.

Saka has just always had a really mature game and credit to him for establishing himself as the player he is now. I really hope he can turn it around for us next week. If not, ah well.

Also, you're the clown!

Everyone is more naturally talented than Saka according to y'all. Go read what Lahm said about Saka, someone who actually knows ball. And Saka was obviously not close to his best against Real Madrid. You can't come back after being out for nearly 4 months and get up to speed on things like game speed and conditioning in a couple of games. Saka does better than most cause of his game intelligence and decision making, but he is obviously not what he was before he got injured when he was having an all-time great playmaking season. Once again, Saka already dominated PSG earlier in the season when he was actually fully fit and other attacking players were contributing something of value.

 

[Gooner Zig]

Doesn’t absolve him though. He had opportunities to drive and didn’t. If service is bad what he does do once he gets the ball becomes all the more important.

This was the kind of game he needed to lead our attack and show the way, instead he was withdrawn and timid. Well, maybe strong words but I can’t really find the ones I’m looking for.

He didn’t look scared but it was something. Maybe the gravity of the moment weighed on him…

He tried a panenka and scored a goal at the Bernabeù so I don't think it's that.

 

[Trilly]

I felt Saka had a poor game. Sure, he was double marked, and sometimes it felt like there was almost four PSG players closer to him than any Arsenal player.

But that said, he played it very safe and wasn’t incisive at all. He had opportunities to have a go at his guy when there was little to no support, but just pulled up and played the ball back to Øde or Timber. Not at all the kind of display your star player should have in a UCL semi-final. Close to ghosting imho.

Compare that with Martinelli who at least tried and even had a go at Hakimi several time, who’s one of the absolute best fullbacks in the world.

What makes Saka so great is that he takes what the defence gives him, and then executes it almost perfectly well from running in behind, carrying the ball or picking the best option for a pass. It’s what makes him so consistent. But if the defence and his teammates gives him nothing then he can be a bit more quiet.

His skillset doesn’t translate to imposing yourself on a game without any support from your teammates and to be honest only a few players a generation can do that anyway these days, it’s not a criticism.

Lahm’s comments on how to stop him echo that. You stop Saka by blocking the passing lanes to/from him and hoping that the players around him are poor, which is exactly what happened on Tuesday.

Lastly, Nuno Mendes is a top top LB. Some games he’ll win the battle, others Saka will. It’s just like that sometimes at the highest level.

 

[Rasmi]

I felt Saka had a poor game. Sure, he was double marked, and sometimes it felt like there was almost four PSG players closer to him than any Arsenal player.

But that said, he played it very safe and wasn’t incisive at all. He had opportunities to have a go at his guy when there was little to no support, but just pulled up and played the ball back to Øde or Timber. Not at all the kind of display your star player should have in a UCL semi-final. Close to ghosting imho.

Compare that with Martinelli who at least tried and even had a go at Hakimi several time, who’s one of the absolute best fullbacks in the world.

Saka was always gonna struggle as he’s up against the best LB in the world and by far their best defender

 

[High Elbow]

Everyone is more naturally talented than Saka according to y'all. Go read what Lahm said about Saka, someone who actually knows ball. And Saka was obviously not close to his best against Real Madrid. You can't come back after being out for nearly 4 months and get up to speed on things like game speed and conditioning in a couple of games. Saka does better than most cause of his game intelligence and decision making, but he is obviously not what he was before he got injured when he was having an all-time great playmaking season. Once again, Saka already dominated PSG earlier in the season when he was actually fully fit and other attacking players were contributing something of value.

Damn you're pretty defensive about saka aren't you. Who said everyone is more talented than saka? Great effective player that uses his skillset admirably. Not many players are as talented as dembele no shame in that. I feel like you just want me to say he is the best player in the world sorry bro.

He scored a nice goal against bayern last year but then chose to dive in the last play of the game instead of backing himself to run through and score. IT WAS A DIVE!!! dont even dare debate that. He was then woeful in munich for the away match...like dreadful. His corner kick was the last play of that game and didnt even beat the first man..but yeah his team mates let him down. Where was he both games against porto as well? His numbers last year were were comparable to foden.

If he is as good as you guys say he is he probably would've shown it by now and maybe we would have a trophy or 2. As it stands, based on how they destoyed liverpool in paris i will be suprised if saka does anything next week against psg.. But you will say he is injured. I'll be so happy to be proven wrong and we make the final. Saka against real madrid is probably as good as it gets for him against such an opponent in such a big game. Stop acting like he is messi

 

[Geofranco]

Damn you're pretty defensive about saka aren't you. Who said everyone is more talented than saka? Great effective player that uses his skillset admirably. Not many players are as talented as dembele no shame in that. I feel like you just want me to say he is the best player in the world sorry bro.

He scored a nice goal against bayern last year but then chose to dive in the last play of the game instead of backing himself to run through and score. IT WAS A DIVE!!! dont even dare debate that. He was then woeful in munich for the away match...like dreadful. His corner kick was the last play of that game and didnt even beat the first man..but yeah his team mates let him down. Where was he both games against porto as well? His numbers last year were were comparable to foden.

If he is as good as you guys say he is he probably would've shown it by now and maybe we would have a trophy or 2. As it stands, based on how they destoyed liverpool in paris i will be suprised if saka does anything next week against psg.. But you will say he is injured. I'll be so happy to be proven wrong and we make the final. Saka against real madrid is probably as good as it gets for him against such an opponent in such a big game. Stop acting like he is messi

Who is talking about last season lol. I only called Saka world class this season. He clearly took his game to the next level before his hamstring injury that needed surgery. Everybody has bad games, including Messi.

There was a narrative that Messi couldn't perform without Dani Alves, Xavi and Iniesta. If that type of talent is getting trolled and questioned, none of these other players stand a chance. Saka has never played with attacking players that can actually match his level.

Jesus is inconsistent and injury prone, dude went months without scoring a goal as a CF smh. Martinelli clearly is a step or two down the required level even though he has some good attributes.

Ødegaard lacks power, pace, a weaker foot and can't take over games, especially if it's physical. Havertz is mid just like a Giroud type of player, same with Merino. None of them are true game changers. Only Saka in the front line has that ability.

Let this team actually get a CF that can create for themselves and finish half chances, get a LW that is technically gifted and creative and Saka would win the balon d'or. He is already the best player for England and dominated France in the world cup, but according to you he is not as talented as Dembele lol.

 

[Trilly]

It depends on your definition of talent but I don’t think Saka is as talented as Dembele. Doesn’t really mean much though when the talent gap isn’t huge.

Neymar is probably more talented than CR7, see how their careers went. Same with Mahrez and his ultra clean first touch v someone like Bale who had the better career.

Saka is talented enough that he can still compete with the best in the world due to his high football IQ and well rounded skillset. It’s when you get players like Yamal who are supremely talented on top of having that IQ that you might see someone be a level above him but for right now, there isn’t a winger out there that’s clear of Saka imo.

 

[Geofranco]

It depends on your definition of talent but I don’t think Saka is as talented as Dembele. Doesn’t really mean much though when the talent gap isn’t huge.

Neymar is probably more talented than CR7, see how their careers went. Same with Mahrez and his ultra clean first touch v someone like Bale who had the better career.

Saka is talented enough that he can still compete with the best in the world due to his high football IQ and well rounded skillset. It’s when you get players like Yamal who are supremely talented on top of having that IQ that you might see someone be a level above him but for right now, there isn’t a winger out there that’s clear of Saka imo.

It depends on what is considered talent. People usually only focus on technique on the ball, especially first touch, close control, footwork, balance, agility and acceleration/speed. To me, mentality, IQ, decision making(processing speeds), strength, ball striking, crossing, weight of pass (range of passing), leaping ability, stamina/motor/engine and durability are all part of talent. Dembele is a better athlete and more two footed than Saka, that's the only edge I'd give him. Cause even his technique is hit and miss at times, especially his touches. The reason he has not been very consistent for most of his career is he has a bit of the Walcott syndrome, where his feet is too quick for his brain at times.

 

[Trilly]

It depends on what is considered talent. People usually only focus on technique on the ball, especially first touch, close control, footwork, balance, agility and acceleration/speed. To me, mentality, IQ, decision making(processing speeds), strength, ball striking, crossing, weight of pass (range of passing), leaping ability, stamina/motor/engine and durability are all part of talent. Dembele is a better athlete and more two footed than Saka, that's the only edge I'd give him. Cause even his technique is hit and miss at times, especially his touches. The reason he has not been very consistent for most of his career is he has a bit of the Walcott syndrome, where his feet is too quick for his brain at times.

Yeah I think people typically mean the bolded stuff when they talk about talent. Basically just the ability to make the ball do what you want it to.

The only reason I put Dembele above Saka is because of how rare his combination of speed, two footedness and the technical attributes you mentioned are. But you’re right in saying that’s only one half of what talent is.

 

[Sebastes]

What makes Saka so great is that he takes what the defence gives him, and then executes it almost perfectly well from running in behind, carrying the ball or picking the best option for a pass. It’s what makes him so consistent. But if the defence and his teammates gives him nothing then he can be a bit more quiet.

His skillset doesn’t translate to imposing yourself on a game without any support from your teammates and to be honest only a few players a generation can do that anyway these days, it’s not a criticism.

Lahm’s comments on how to stop him echo that. You stop Saka by blocking the passing lanes to/from him and hoping that the players around him are poor, which is exactly what happened on Tuesday.

Lastly, Nuno Mendes is a top top LB. Some games he’ll win the battle, others Saka will. It’s just like that sometimes at the highest level.

Agree in large, but I’ll still argue he did get opportunities from their defence to be incisive and more of a threat. But every time he hesitated. Granted, it was maybe just a couple-three times this happened, but those times when a top team expose themselves you have to trust a player like Saka to try to take advantage.

 

[Sebastes]

Saka was always gonna struggle as he’s up against the best LB in the world and by far their best defender

Nuno Mendes isn’t a better defender than Saka is attacker imho. But he didn’t really show up for the fight, so to speak.

 

[High Elbow]

It depends on what is considered talent. People usually only focus on technique on the ball, especially first touch, close control, footwork, balance, agility and acceleration/speed. To me, mentality, IQ, decision making(processing speeds), strength, ball striking, crossing, weight of pass (range of passing), leaping ability, stamina/motor/engine and durability are all part of talent. Dembele is a better athlete and more two footed than Saka, that's the only edge I'd give him. Cause even his technique is hit and miss at times, especially his touches. The reason he has not been very consistent for most of his career is he has a bit of the Walcott syndrome, where his feet is too quick for his brain at times.

See thats the thing..you can improve on things like decision making but if you aint got those technical attributes then you dont. Talent is talent. Someone like yamal can do everything saka does...but then almost every game he does something ridiculous like an outside of the foot pass that that travels 40 yards and falls perfectly in lewas/ raphina's feet and they are 1v1 with the keeper. You can't teach that. Saka's game is more badic so to speak. Unlikely to do anything outrageous. Still, he doesnt need to be a generational level talent to be one of the best wingers in the world. It is sometimes needed however to consistently win the biggest games with the finest margins and be a balon d'or type of player

 

[High Elbow]

Also @Geofranco, my intial comment that seemed to have triggered wasn't even a dig on saka. It was merely pointing out that apart from saka we got nothing, and he would even struggle to get in their lineup as his best position in where dembele likes to drift and he is clear of saka atm. Something like 30 goals since decemeber i heard, and not all of them were in the "farmers league". Big performances and goals against man city, liverpool, aston villa, arsenal..so its like every game. Its like when people compare saka to salah. Nah bro he hasn't shown he is on that level yet.

 

[Geofranco]

Also @Geofranco, my intial comment that seemed to have triggered wasn't even a dig on saka. It was merely pointing out that apart from saka we got nothing, and he would even struggle to get in their lineup as his best position in where dembele likes to drift and he is clear of saka atm. Something like 30 goals since decemeber i heard, and not all of them were in the "farmers league". Big performances and goals against man city, liverpool, aston villa, arsenal..so its like every game. Its like when people compare saka to salah. Nah bro he hasn't shown he is on that level yet.

Oh so teams Saka has also scored against lol. What has Dembele done for France throughout his career? If Saka was playing in the French league or Bundesliga he'd have 50g/a right now. He was on his way to breaking the assist record in the EPL before he got injured. And Yamal is just one player, Dembele is also not on his level in terms of talent, neither is Doue. And even in yesterday's game, Yamal misplaced a lot of passes trying to be flashy.

 

[High Elbow]

Oh so teams Saka has also scored against lol. What has Dembele done for France throughout his career? If Saka was playing in the French league or Bundesliga he'd have 50g/a right now. He was on his way to breaking the assist record in the EPL before he got injured. And Yamal is just one player, Dembele is also not on his level in terms of talent, neither is Doue. And even in yesterday's game, Yamal misplaced a lot of passes trying to be flashy.

Ok bro saka is the best player in the world and can theoretically score 50 goals 30 assists even though he hasnt yet. Even though 20 of those assists will be from corners, 5 from byline cutbacks, and 5 from cutting in to his left and dinking the ball to the far post.

Lol you making me look like a saka hater so well done. You remind me of how i was with henry when i was 15 arguing with everyone that he was the best player in the world and ready to fight anyone to death

 

[Geofranco]

Ok bro saka is the best player in the world and can theoretically score 50 goals 30 assists even though he hasnt yet. Even though 20 of those assists will be from corners, 5 from byline cutbacks, and 5 from cutting in to his left and dinking the ball to the far post.

Lol you making me look like a saka hater so well done. You remind me of how i was with henry when i was 15 arguing with everyone that he was the best player in the world and ready to fight anyone to death

I'm just calling out your nonsense and now you want to go the hyperbole route to save yourself? Just admit you like Dembele for his aesthetics, like dudes talking about they want a good woman, but are addicted to bad *****es, pretty faces, fat asses and big ol titties.

 

[High Elbow]

I'm just calling out your nonsense and now you want to go the hyperbole route to save yourself? Just admit you like Dembele for his aesthetics, like dudes talking about they want a good woman, but are addicted to bad *****es, pretty faces, fat asses and big ol titties.

So you think it's nothing to do with dembele's stats and performances this season that i rate him higher? I took the hyperbolic route just for you to take the bad *****es route? Lol This is where we part ways my friend. Safe travels

#clown