Pain in the Arsenal
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4 reasons why Bukayo Saka is the best winger in the world right now

By Harry Dowsett

Arsenal's English midfielder Bukayo Saka gestures to fans on the pitch after the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium in London on March 19, 2023. - Arsenal won the game 4-1. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal's English midfielder Bukayo Saka gestures to fans on the pitch after the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium in London on March 19, 2023. - Arsenal won the game 4-1. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Bukayo Saka is dominant in one-vs-one situations. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Ciancaphoto Studio/Getty Images)
Bukayo Saka is dominant in one-vs-one situations. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Ciancaphoto Studio/Getty Images) /

3. Ball progression & dribbling

Another vital quality for any winger is the ability to progress his team up the pitch through powerful and direct dribbling – and Saka does that brilliantly. In fact, the 21-year-old ranks in the 87th percentile for progressive carries in European football, making him one of the most effective dribblers on the planet.

When you watch Saka play, that becomes apparent very quickly. The vast majority of opponents he faces decide, or are forced, to double and even sometimes triple up on him in wide areas in an attempt to limit his ability to impact the game.

However, many defences are still unable to handle him and are therefore left with no choice but to foul Saka – a lot. In the Premier League this season, he has been fouled a total of 45 times; the ninth-highest amount in the league and the most of any Arsenal player.

4. Work rate & attitude

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, there is Bukayo Saka’s character. For a player so gifted, you could potentially forgive him if he occasionally skimped on the defensive phase of the game, but he excels in this regard too. Initially enjoying an impressive spell at left wing-back in the Arsenal squad, he has always been comfortable in defensive positions, and his desire to put in maximum effort, in both thirds of the pitch, has not wavered since.

He approaches all aspects of football, and life in general, with the same attitude and, arguably, that is his biggest strength. Ex-Gunner Alex Iwobi was keen to praise Saka’s humility, as so many other coaches and players have also done in the past.

"“I am happy for him, man, really really happy because not only is he a great player, but off the pitch, he is a respectful, humble guy.”"

Keeping a level head as a young player when racing towards stardom, as Saka is currently doing, is vital if the levels they are performing at are to be maintained. There is evidently a case to be made that Saka is currently the best winger in world football, and his humility will likely ensure that he continues on that upward trajectory for many years to come.

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