MARTIN KEOWN: Bukayo Saka would WALK into the Invincibles team
MARTIN KEOWN: Bukayo Saka is the one player from Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal team who would WALK into our Invincibles side… he has the trickery of Phil Foden and the pace of Marcus Rashford all in one
- Arsenal feel like they can be giants again thanks to Mikel Arteta and Edu
- They have players who understand the culture of the club – such as Bukayo Saka
- Saka is the one player from the current team who could get into the Invincibles
Arsenal’s emergence as title contenders this season has been meteoric. The building blocks created by boss Mikel Arteta and sporting director Edu have made Arsenal feel like they can be giants again.
There is a strong spine, starting with the goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale. They have recruited well but also developed from within, players who understand the culture of the club and play with the heart of the fans.
No one encapsulates that more than Bukayo Saka. Saka was immense in Sunday’s 3-2 win over Manchester United. He is, right now, the one player who would walk into the 2003-04 Invincibles team. The way he ghosts past defenders reminds me of my old favourite colleague, Marc Overmars.
Bukayo Saka has been one of Arsenal’s star players in their Premier League title charge
Martin Keown believes Saka is the one Arsenal player who would walk into the Invincibles
Used initially by Arteta in the Europa League, like Emile Smith Rowe, Gabriel Martinelli and Eddie Nketiah, Saka now has the world at his feet. His work ethic is infectious — so is his smile.
He has the trickery of Phil Foden and the pace of Marcus Rashford all in one. It is a unique skillset and he is as tough as teak to go with it.
He totally destroyed Luke Shaw, England’s best left back and in good form himself. He could beat him down the line or cut inside where he scored a thunderous goal from 25 yards, then later struck the post using the exact same execution.
Saka has the trickery of Phil Foden and the pace of Marcus Rashford rolled into one
The way Saka glides past players is reminiscent of former Gunner Marc Overmars
He is an England regular with three goals during the 2022 World Cup and he has barely missed a step all season.
He started well and has returned from Qatar with his chest out and his feet dancing. It is clear Gareth Southgate thinks a lot of Saka’s character and ability, and we can all see why.
Saka is not alone, of course. It starts from Ramsdale in goal, the solidity of the outstanding Gabriel, William Saliba and Ben White alongside Oleksandr Zinchenko’s precise passing, punching holes in opposition defences. In midfield, Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka have been patrolling and dominating the middle of the pitch.
Mikel Arteta and Edu have built a side that have made Arsenal feel like they can be giants again
Martin Odegaard, plucked from Real Madrid and masterfully given the armband by Arteta, continues to develop and create the openings for the dangerous front three.
Arsenal face rivals Manchester City in the FA Cup on Friday night, where Pep Guardiola’s side will experience first-hand the talent and energy this team possesses.
Strap yourself in for what promises to be a thrilling encounter between the Premier League’s top two teams, both going for the domestic double and with squads packed full of confidence and ability.
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