Bukayo Saka: From Starboy to Champion

[Barry]

I agree, at his best his contributions are obvious. But we're not seeing that consistently for 2 seasons. Everybody is eager to sell Ødegaard for his form yet Sakas is overlooked

Yeah it's not fair or consistent really, but Saka has a special place as an academy product and the heartbeat of the team for so long. I also think that Arsenal-Mania isn't always representative of what the wider fan base thinks. Ødegaard still has a lot of support, I don't think we should sell either yet fwiw, Ode had some very promising performances this season so I think he can rediscover his form or contribute from deeper in midfield.

 

[Rasmi]

I agree, at his best his contributions are obvious. But we're not seeing that consistently for 2 seasons. Everybody is eager to sell Ødegaard for his form yet Sakas is overlooked

Deep down a lot of people can see he’s a player on the down already. But he’s an academy player and have special place in our heart. No one wanna admit it, but they can clearly see all the signs

It’s just matter of time before Downman takes his place

 

[Arsenal7104]

Shame there's a ****ty world cup and he can't get a rest.

Could really have had the summer off and a proper pre-season.

 

[rockofcashel]

Guys.. Sakas peaked.. and he's not world class.. and never will be unless something drastic changes..

He's a very good player.. but increasingly a one trick pony.. ie run down right, cut back in on left, shoot

That and pass over and back with Ødegaard.

If someone came in with stupid money.. let him off

 

[Mraven]

Guys.. Sakas peaked.. and he's not world class.. and never will be unless something drastic changes..

He's a very good player.. but increasingly a one trick pony.. ie run down right, cut back in on left, shoot

That and pass over and back with Ødegaard.

If someone came in with stupid money.. let him off

Don't be too sure he's peaked. We know he's playing with injury this season. If he's not going to heal properly, you put him inside where he won't be reliant on his acceleration.

 

[GoonerJay24]

Deep down a lot of people can see he’s a player on the down already. But he’s an academy player and have special place in our heart. No one wanna admit it, but they can clearly see all the signs

It’s just matter of time before Downman takes his place

Perhaps or it's just he needs more rotation first half of the season so he's sharp during run-ins

Im sure Manchester United did the same with Ryan Giggs

 

[A_G]

@Riou big stuff from Bukayo “Cena” Saka

 

[UpTheChampionz]

Bruddas be like dropping biographies named ”the time is now” and be 25 years old

Naht for me this Clifton

 

[Batman]

Nice of Saka to sit amongst 2 peasants without PL medals:

 

[cannon]

They all say try and enjoy it but I not sure that’s possible. The pressure and strict regime for diets, being in bed early, training everyday, same drills over and over it most likely quickly because a chore and just a job. I’m sure game day is very different but the everyday slog has to get old

 

[viktor]

 

[Red London]

Yeah I’ve been getting that vibe too. He has looked like a central player out wide.

If this is who Saka is physically now, we certainly need to start exploring him in different areas.

 

[Aubamabludclat94]

Saw a video of some of his highlights from 2021, I swear he was never the fastest but he used to glide compared to how stiff and unexplosive he looks now. What a shame. Him and Ødegaard used to play some sublime football together. And before the excuses come, no it’s not the way we build up

 

[Kuroske]

Achilles injury is the worst injury a player can have. It will take some time before his burst of pace returns.

 

[viktor]

 

[Kuroske]

It has been that long that I forgot how good he was. Just give him some time to regain his fitness and let his body heal. Give Madueke and Dowman more game time next season.

 

[Penn_]

The dip is overplayed, and no one looks good in our current attack, that can't be a coincidence. Raise the level and watch Saka ball again. For too long our game has felt like expecting him to hero ball it out there.

In almost of instances of the 'lost Saka' he is 1v1. It's the same for most forwards. Even Kvaratskhelia's defining action in the final came with Saka pressing high and Mosquera isolated.

 

[Kuroske]

The dip is overplayed, and no one looks good in our current attack, that can't be a coincidence. Raise the level and watch Saka ball again. For too long our game has felt like expecting him to hero ball it out there.

In almost of instances of the 'lost Saka' he is 1v1. It's the same for most forwards. Even Kvaratskhelia's defining action in the final came with Saka pressing high and Mosquera isolated.

He is still our nr. 1, but you can't deny his decision making was bad at times. He could have atleast 5 more assist to his name instead of going for his own glory.

 

[Mrs Bergkamp]

He is still our nr. 1, but you can't deny his decision making was bad at times. He could have atleast 5 more assist to his name instead of going for his own glory.

I love hom but agree totally. I'm mot looking for an excuse but I wonder if reduced physical ability is a factor in these poor decisions. I looked at 2021 videos and he's definitely not at it fitness wise.

 

[Badger_Revenge]

Saka is clearly struggling physically. His hesitance is him doubting his physical capabilities. The hesitance reverberated throughout the team. It's a bit of miracle we won the league this year, and came damn close to winning the champion's league.

I expect we won't see him much beginning of next season. But good players do come back to form, and he is a good player.