August 17th 2024.
Mikel Arteta was in high spirits after Arsenal's 2-0 victory over Wolves in their Premier League opener on Saturday. In the post-match press conference, he was asked about the impressive performance of 19-year-old winger Bukayo Saka, particularly his tendency to cut inside onto his left foot. Arteta couldn't help but smile at the comparison between Saka and football legend Lionel Messi, who is widely considered to be one of the greatest players of all time.
When questioned about why teams allow Saka to cut inside, Arteta responded with a hint of admiration, saying, "Good players, you know..." He went on to explain that it's the quality of players like Messi that allows them to consistently make such moves, always knowing where the ball needs to go.
But despite Saka's undeniable talent and crucial role in Arsenal's attack, there has been ongoing debate about whether he can be considered a world-class footballer. In fact, former Manchester United player Rio Ferdinand was trolled by Arsenal fans earlier this year after stating that Saka was not yet at that level.
Ferdinand's reasoning was that Saka hadn't yet proven himself in the "nitty-gritty" stages of the Champions League, which Arsenal have not reached the semi-finals of since the 2008-2009 season. In contrast, Messi has won four Champions League titles and numerous other accolades throughout his career.
However, it's worth noting that Saka has only been with Arsenal since joining their academy from Watford in 2009. In his short time with the club, he has already won an FA Cup and two Community Shields. And while he may not yet have the same level of experience and success as Messi, his potential and talent are undeniable.
It's clear that Arteta sees great potential in Saka, and his comparison to Messi only highlights the young player's talent and bright future. Only time will tell if Saka will reach the same heights as the Argentine icon, but for now, he remains an integral part of Arsenal and their future success.
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