Mikel Arteta Heaps Praise On Saka Ahead Of “Tremendous” Milestone

Mikel Arteta heaps praise on Bukayo Saka…

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta waxed lyrical on Bukayo Saka as the forward prepares to take the field for the 200th time for the club ahead of our trip to Luton.

Saka, who signed a new long-term contract in the summer, has continued his trajectory as a player this season by notching up 18 goal contributions

While the 22-year-old was handed his debut by Unai Emery, it’s under Arteta’s tutelage over the past four years that Saka’s developed into a world-class player.

The Hale End graduate learned the trade in various positions early on his senior career, but he’s certainly nailed down his role now as one of Europe’s most devastating wide-men.

Arteta believes that while credit must go to those who’ve helped Saka on his journey, his incredible rise is ultimately down to his talent and hard work.

“That’s not bad at his age!” Arteta told the press in his pre-match press conference when reminded about the milestone.

“It’s gone really fast but it shows again the consistency and the availability that he has had over the last few years. It has been tremendous and the impact that he’s had in the team has been really positive.”

When asked to describe how it’s been to watch Saka evolve over the past few years, the boss claimed his ascension is a result of a close circle around him, as well as leaving room for personal expression.

“It’s like watching a kid raise, and get older, mature and evolve. And he still has the same humility and willingness to get better and better and get to know the people close to him in his life, and the impact they have on him. 

“All the academy people who worked with him as well over the years to make him the player he is today, they have to take a huge compliment of who Bukayo is today.

“And then let him be. Bukayo is a special guy, we have him with us hopefully for many years to come,” the Spaniard concluded.