This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…
Bukayo Saka is desperate to keep his place in the Arsenal starting line-up despite Alexandre Lacazette’s return to fitness, per Football.London.
What’s he said?
The France international suffered an ankle injury during the 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur and subsequently missed clashes with Watford, Aston Villa, Manchester United and AFC Bournemouth.
Saka has played in the latter three of those games, registering an assist against United, and he is hopeful of retaining his spot.
He said: “It’s always good to have all our best players available, all of us competing makes us push to play better and better.
“If one player is injured then others get an opportunity but I want everyone to come back and do the best for Arsenal.
“The boss knows what I can do, what the other players can do. Different games require different players but I feel like I’ve shown the boss he can trust me. Whatever game he puts me in I’ll always give it my all.”
An exceptional talent
Saka is an excellent player and he has shown as much in recent weeks.
The England U19 international has been a shining light for the youth teams, netting 16 goals in 26 games for the Gunners’ U18 side, along with scoring six and providing 10 assists for the U23s.
Having been handed an opportunity, he has grasped it with both hands.
Per WhoScored, in the Premier League prior to the clash with Sheffield United, Saka has averaged 1.7 key passes per game, two dribbles, 1.3 shots per game, as well as 2.7 tackles.
In the Europa League, his stats are even more impressive. He has made just one appearance – in the 3-0 win over Eintracht Frankfurt – but he scored once, provided two assists and laid on five key passes in a virtuoso display.
It remains to be seen how manager Unai Emery will utilise him across the remainder of the season but one thing is for sure; he deserves to play regularly.