Bukayo Saka ‘lost for words’ after taking Arsenal armband

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 28: Bukayo Saka of Arsenal reacts during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Sheffield United at Emirates Stadium on October 28, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 28: Bukayo Saka of Arsenal reacts during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Sheffield United at Emirates Stadium on October 28, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images) /
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Bukayo Saka wore the Arsenal captain’s armband for the first time in his young career, and the winger was lost for words over what it meant to him.

Martin Odegaard was moved to the bench for Arsenal’s clash against Sheffield United after a string of poor performances, but we later found out he was dealing with an injury.

With Arsenal’s club captain not on the pitch, someone else had to wear the armband – that player was Bukayo Saka.

The young winger, who has done just about everything in his illustrious career, has now added Arsenal captain to his resume. What made it even better is that the Gunners were able to sweep aside The Blades 5-0 in front of a raucous Emirates Stadium crowd.

"“I don’t really know how to describe it,” Saka said via arsenal.com. “You know me and you know where I’ve come from: the academy. To be at the front, leading the boys out today was just unbelievable. I’m lost for words – it’s hard to describe this feeling. It’s just amazing.”"

Being a leader on the pitch isn’t something that every player can be. Additionally, sometimes, the best player on the team isn’t the captain and doesn’t exude the qualities needed to lead a dressing room.

Saka’s abilities on the pitch are unquestionable, but when most people look at the young star, they don’t think of him as a team leader – they might now.

But there is a first time for everything, and now Saka has his feet wet wearing the Arsenal armband.

"“I enjoyed it,” Saka said. “It was a different experience. Obviously I was learning on the job. Sometimes I didn’t know where I was supposed to be! But in the end we played well, which was the most important thing. We got the three points.”"

While Odegaard is likely to resume his captain responsibilities against a depleted Newcastle side, Saka has got a taste for being a leader in the Arsenal dressing room.

Is he the next captain in waiting?