Bukayo Saka destined for the top as Arsenal's rising star shines vs Liverpool

Saka impressed against the Premier League champions at Wembley
Pool via REUTERS

Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka was overlooked by England boss Gareth Southgate for his latest England squad this week, but surely after this performance against Liverpool it won’t be long before the 18-year-old is playing regularly at Wembley.

Big things are expected of Saka this season, as shown by the fact he has been handed the No7 shirt by Arsenal.

The teenager’s debut campaign last season was impressive as he burst onto the scene and showed why he is destined for the top.

During a turbulent season, Saka played under three managers, shone at left-back and played with a maturity way beyond his years.

He was shifted around and played in various positions, even cropping up in central midfield, and towards the end of the campaign the youngster looked a little tired and jaded.

In Pictures | Arsenal vs Liverpool, Community Shield | 29/08/2020

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That was hardly surprising given it was his first season of senior football and the fact the fixture schedule was incredibly busy due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Saka has kicked off this season, however, looking fit and fresh, and his performance against Liverpool should fill Arsenal fans with excitement going forward.

After being shifted around the pitch last year, the teenager looks set for a role in the Gunners’ front-three, either on the left or right.

Against Liverpool, he lined up on the right and impressed during a performance that underlined why he will be pushing to start most games this season.

Saka setup Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang for Arsenal’s only goal, finding the Gabon forward with a beautiful diagonal ball.

It was an assist that typified the teenager’s first-half, where he was a constant threat and Arsenal’s best creator.

Watching Saka, it is crazy to think he only turns 19 next month. There is understandably excitement about tying Aubameyang down to a new contract, but keeping Saka will prove to be just as vital.

For someone so young, he is just immensely efficient on the ball. Normally teenage wingers break onto the scene and, while they’re blessed with pace and trickery, their end product can be lacking.

Saka bucks that trend and it is very rare that he will waste possession by giving the ball away.

It is why he looks destined for an England call-up in the near future, even if he was overlooked this time.

Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Saka has officially not decided his international allegiance - with Nigeria keen to call him up - but he has played for England at every age group and is now with the under-21s.

He is yet to make his debut for them, but that should happen next month and then a senior bow for Three Lions will surely follow.

“He’s a very exciting player,” said Southgate earlier this week.

“It is still early for him but he’s a player we like and we monitoring very closely. I think Phil [Foden] in particular has been patient for his opportunity and we’ve taken our time with that.”

After this game against Liverpool, Saka surely won’t have to wait too much longer.

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