Arsenal superstar Bukayo Saka is still one of the best wingers in the Premier League, but when it comes to being a Ballon d’Or candidate, the England international has yet to reach that potential or become a true superstar.
Former Arsenal legendary center back David O’Leary is the latest to drive that point home, and he made the claim to the media after Arsenal scrounged out another tough win, 2-1, over Leeds United.
O’Leary said, “I’d love to give you an honest answer on that, the guy hasn’t changed, we haven’t got the arrogant side. He’s not the player that he was, without a doubt. He’s still a top player, but is he the player that got this fantastic new contract at Arsenal to make him one of the top-paid players in the country? I don’t think so at the moment. I don’t know what’s happened. But when I look at the team and how it’s progressing, whose playing well and how great Declan Rice was yesterday, I think Saka has to step up again. If he does step up, Arsenal become a more powerful team.”
It’s good to see this sort of honesty from a club legend, because honest criticism of a top player and how he can truly be even better is exactly what a club like Arsenal needs in order to stay on top of the Premier League.
Saka has 3 goals in 6 games and 3 fouls drawn per game, but his overall dominance of games and even his key passes and dribbles completed are not where an elite player should be.
He has been great, but there is still room to go to being one of the world’s top 10, and that’s exactly what David O’Leary is trying to point out here. And he’s not wrong.
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THE TRIVELA EFFECT
Purveyor of footy since the 90s. Favor the Premier League and old school Serie A with a touch of Bundesliga. More than a touch. Professional writer for 20 years, covering every sport but now focused on the Premier League and world football. You won’t be able to guess my favorite team.