Arsenal star in top 3 running for huge individual award

What do Arsenal have? Rich history, an established presence on the globe, a far reaching fanbase, and a trophy cabinet that with less dust than the one up the road. Anything else?

Bukayo Saka also springs to mind.

A young man that every supporter is proud to call ‘one of our own’. Coming through Hale End, breaking into the first team under Unai Emery, establishing himself as one of the first names on Mikel Arteta’s team sheet and now representing his country.

From the outside looking in there are plenty who question Saka’s talents. The critical few who haven’t watched him every week and therefore look at the goals and assists tallies and dispute the notion of him being a special talent.

Arsenal star Bukayo Saka in top 3 running for 2021 Golden Boy award alongside Barcelona’s Pedri and Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham

There is no doubting his ability though. While more consistent output from him is the next step, his ability is unquestionable and his ceiling invisible.

Across the continent he has been recognised for his contributions to Arsenal and England, earning a spot on the 20-man shortlist for the 2021 Golden Boy award, which is handed out to the best player under the age of 21 in Europe’s top leagues.

Teammate William Saliba has also made the cut from 100 down to 20, with even Tottenham’s Bryan Gil among the candidates.

Does Saka stand a chance of scooping the award in December? As per Fichajes, he is one of three vying for the gong alongside Barcelona’s Pedri and Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham; two quite special players.

The former had a remarkable 2020/21 campaign, playing 52 times for his club, starting all six of Spain’s matches in the Euros and then doing likewise in all six of his nations Olympics matches. He’s 18 years old. A Barcelona side in disarray have a cheat code.

As for Bellingham, he has the scope to be one of the best midfielders on the planet – and that is no exaggeration. What he is producing every week for Dortmund is remarkable. It’s only a matter of time before he’s an England regular.

Saka is an England regular though. He played a starring role in getting the Three Lions to the final of Euro 2020, while also carrying Arsenal through a torrid Premier League campaign and justifiably scooping the Player of the Year award.

Does he have a chance? Absolutely. It’s a huge award with incredible competition, yet to be considered among the top three is in itself a stupendous achievement. He remains the star boy (man?) whatever the outcome.

He’s only getting better, although, truthfully, your money is probably on one of the other two.

You can (should and will) vote for Bukayo here. This is a public vote and plays only a small part in the final result, but worth doing anyway.