Arsenal: Bukayo Saka, a superstar is born

Bukayo Saka scored once and assisted twice in Arsenal’s 3-0 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt on Thursday night. On this occasion, a superstar was born.

While it is rather underwhelming to see Arsenal play in the Europa League for their third-straight season, rather than competing with their north London rivals in the Champions League, one positive from featuring in the lesser European competition is that it provides Unai Emery with the chance to bleed a slew of burgeoning young players.

Find the latest episode of the Pain in the Arsenal Podcast here — Unai Emery out?

And on Thursday night, in the Gunners’ curtain-raiser for this season’s European endeavours, Emery took full advantage of that opportunity, with one bright young star standing head and shoulders above every other player on the pitch. Welcome to the first team, Bukayo Saka.

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Offensively, Arsenal were superb in their 3-0 victory Eintracht Frankfurt. On the counter-attack, their blistering speed caused the German real problems. There was smart, interchangeable movement, some excellent interplay from the midfield and front three, and if for some calmer and more clinical finishing, perhaps a few more goals also. And at the heart of it was Saka, a fresh-faced teenager who looked as ready for the raucous atmosphere a seasoned old professional.

What it was about Saka, I am not sure. Maybe the eight dribbles he attempted, more than any other player on the pitch. Perhaps the confidence to drive at senior defenders. Or maybe the skill and composure he showed in the final third to create more chances than any other player on the pitch, notch two assists, and score the goal of the night. Whatever it was, this was a young player stepping into stardom.

Obviously, there is a need for caution here. While this was an excellent performance from an excellent young player, crowning him the next Thierry Henry is not exactly going to help proceedings. Reiss Nelson once looked like Saka did here. Now he is stalling. Carlos Vela, Chuba Akpom, Gedion Zelalem. Arsenal have had plenty of ‘next great things’.

Nevertheless, it would be foolish to not be excited about Saka’s prospects. For a young player playing his first full 90-minute senior match, away from home, at a stadium where the opposition did not lose a match in Europe last season, simply to have the confidence to take on what he did is astounding. To actively deny slipping Nicolas Pepe in to instead attempt a long-range shot is something that few young players would even attempt, nevermind actually pull off.

And beyond his goal, Saka’s skill on the ball, his explosive speed and willingness to drive at exposed defenders were all on full display. There were, of course, areas for improvement. He needs to protect the ball better, he was slow to release crucial passes at times, his movement off the ball left him isolated, not providing a genuine forward option for the man on the ball. But these are nuanced elements of the wing position that a 30-year-old Theo Walcott still cannot execute properly.

Saka showcased his talent. That is all that can be said of his performance. But such is the remarkable nature of that talent, that is all needs to be said. On a curious, vociferous Thursday night in Germany, a superstar was born.