Bukayo Saka On Being Tightly Marked: ‘Someone On The Other Side Will Be Free’

By The Editor
on 21st January 2024

Bukayo Saka hoping to create space for others…

Arsenal star Bukayo Saka has offered an interesting perspective when asked about the close attention opposition defences are paying him this season, the 22-year-old told TNT Sports.

Saka has delivered 12 goal contributions in 20 Premier League appearances this season, yet it’s clear that he’s having less of an impact on games.

Given the England international has developed into one of the most devastating wingers in Europe, teams are now preparing a plan to stop him from operating.

We’ve often seen the opposition deploy a deep block and surround Saka with three players – including their left midfielder and the closest central midfielder.

Saka admitted that while it has been difficult to navigate through the bodies around him, it does allow space to free up on the opposite flank.

“Most games it feels like we’re going up against a low block. The Premier League is a really physical league.

“It’s about me studying it, trying to find a solution – whether that’s dribbling, finding space or passing it.

“It hasn’t been easy but I’m still trying and we’re still doing well as a team.

“It’s not just about me. If there’s three players in my position, I know someone on the other side is free or someone behind me is free. So if it’s not helping me, it’s helping someone else.”

Saka is correct and it’s a slight inditement on our other forwards that they haven’t been able to capitalise on all the space created by the attention our No.7 draws.

It has been an unfortunate period, seeing all out attacking players underperform simultaneously – though Mikel Arteta will be hoping that poor run is behind us.

Gabriel Martinelli’s late cameo will hopefully be the confidence boost he needed, doubling his Premier League tally in a matter of seconds.