“He’s been at the top for a while now” – Paul Merson heaps praise on ‘consistent’ Bukayo Saka

Football expert Paul Merson has showered praise on consistent Arsenal’s winger Bukayo Saka. Merson said Saka has been at the top for a while now. The 23-year-old has started the Premier League season with a bang, scoring twice and assisting seven goals in seven matches he has played so far.

The youngster was also in top form for England in Euro 2024 in Germany and played a key role in taking the Three Lions to the final.

Saka has scored 61 goals and has provided 60 assists in 236 matches for Arsenal. 

Paul Merson wrote for Sky Sports, “Someone like Bukayo Saka’s playing against 10 at the back week-in and week-out, and he’s still performing. He’s been where (Cole) Palmer is for a couple of years and is still finding solutions.

“That’s what you have to do if you want to stay at the top. Teams get smart to you and you’ve got to be one ahead again, and he’s done that. It’s like Scotland having two of the best left-backs last year, Andy Robertson and Kieran Tierney.

Merson lauded Saka’s consistency and feels the youngster plays ahead of his time.

“Saka’s very, very consistent. He plays light-years ahead of his time. He’s been at the top for a while now, it’s not like people are just trying to work him out. He just comes up with solutions all the time.

“They have a system to play which gets Saka time on the ball. He doesn’t get it with five players round him, he gets it in space and that’s top management from Mikel Arteta.”

Meanwhile, Saka has been given the captaincy armband on a few occasions by Mikel Arteta and the 23-year-old said it is his honor to lead the team.

“That’s one of the things where I become speechless when people ask me. Everyone knows my journey, where I came from. To take the captain’s armband, walk the lads out at the Emirates Stadium. I can’t put it into words.”

Arsenal will take on Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on 19th October after the international break.