Arsenal: 3 reasons Matt Smith could duplicate Bukayo Saka

1. Exactly what’s needed

One reason Saka’s quick rise to the top was made all the easier was because he fit a need at the club. For years, the Gunners had been skimpy on wingers, and even when they added Nicolas Pepe, that still meant just one winger, with the left side completely vacated. That is, until Aubameyang became a permanent winger.

Still, it allowed Saka’s goal totals to put him right into first-team action for a starting job that had been so ignored.

Matt Smith is a deep-lying midfield playmaker. Also known as the one thing we need most (after we sign Thomas Partey, of course).

Dani Ceballos has tried to make the role his, but it hasn’t worked out, and links to other deep-lying playmakers are either uninspiring or fizzle before they can gain any traction. But it’s such a crucial role and Matt Smith has such experience playing both as a defensive midfielder and as a traditional central midfielder.

So, just like Saka, he fits an immediate need. Which can only help him continue that rapid rise.