Arsenal star Bukayo Saka has now been included ahead of a host of notable names on a list of young stars from the UK and Ireland.
Bukayo Saka has been a revelation since bursting onto the scene at Arsenal.
Still just 22-years-old, the winger has already made over 200 appearances for the North London club, and has been capped 32 times at senior level by England.
The Hale End academy graduate came through the club’s youth system and made his first team debut in November 2018. He then really broke into the team on a regular basis after Mikel Arteta was appointed as manager in late 2019.
Since then, Saka has gone from strength to strength. Having initially been brought into the first team picture as a makeshift left-back, he quickly showcased his attacking qualities. He has now established himself on the right flank and has been the Gunners’ most potent attacking force this season.
How Bukayo Saka has made the grade at Arsenal
In total, Saka has scored 57 goals at senior level for Arsenal, across all competitions. So far this season, he has racked up 19 strikes, 15 of which have come in the Premier League.
He added another to his tally on Sunday as he found the back of the net in the win against Tottenham Hotspur. With this North London derby goal, Saka was able to match two feats last managed by Ian Wright for Arsenal.
The winger is also a creative force. He has 53 assists under his belt as an Arsenal player, and his importance to Arteta’s team can scarcely be overstated.
Much has been made this season over whether or not Saka ought to be considered a “world-class” player. His statistics and consistency certainly suggest that he belongs in that most elite bracket.
Bukayo Saka included on Young Power list ahead of Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham
He is also a figure of cultural influence off the pitch. Saka has now been featured in The Times’ Young Power list, as one of the 25 “most inspiring” people aged under 30 from the UK and Ireland.
Other notable names from the world of sport who have made the cut include teenage darts sensation Luke Littler, tennis player Jack Draper, Arsenal and England Lionesses defender Leah Williamson, and Welsh rugby star turned NFL ace Louis Rees-Zammit.
Meanwhile, the likes of Manchester City ace Phil Foden and Real Madrid superstar Jude Bellingham were not included on this list.
