Journalist James McNicholas has now named one thing that Bukayo Saka must add to his game to reach the next level at Arsenal.
Bukayo Saka shone for Arsenal as they overcame their bitter local rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the North London derby on Sunday.
The Hale End academy graduate helped get the ball rolling for the Gunners at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, as it was his corner delivery that Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg turned into his own net with 15 minutes on the clock.
The winger then doubled the lead for Mikel Arteta’s side as he latched onto a long-ball from Kai Havertz as Arsenal sought to spring a counter-attack. Saka produced an exquisite first touch to bring the ball under his spell, before cutting inside onto his stronger left foot, taking Spurs defender Ben Davies out of the game in the process, and picking out the bottom corner.
The England man then enjoyed celebrating in front of the despondent Spurs fans. Saka matched two achievements previously managed by Ian Wright for Arsenal in fixture.
How important is Bukayo Saka to Arsenal?
Saka is a talismanic figure for Arsenal. He is a fan favourite at the Emirates Stadium, and has been the club’s most potent attacking outlet this season, with 19 goals and 14 assists to his name across all competitions.
It was fitting to see him handed the captain’s armband late on against Spurs after Martin Odegaard was substituted off.
There is also a huge weight of responsibility on Saka’s shoulders, given Arteta’s reliance on him and the expectations Arsenal fans have of him. Despite his relative youth, though, he has shown that he can handle this burden.
Whilst he may not be the most gregarious figure in the game, he has shown that he has a strong enough personality to cope with being the Gunners’ main man, and he looks full of confidence right now.
However, in terms of his attitude, James McNicholas believes that there is still more to come from Saka.
What Bukayo Saka needs to do to reach the next level
Asked on the Arsecast Extra podcast if the player could do with more arrogance in his game, the reporter said “To be honest, I think that he is an incredibly confident and self-assured individual. I just don’t think that he expresses that outwardly, maybe, in ways that are kind of legible to us.
“If you look at his career to date, if you look at the times where he’s stood up for himself on the pitch or taken responsibility on, I think there must be enormous reserves of self belief behind that…The best players, you think of Thierry Henry amongst others, do have that kind of swagger in their game. I can see him adding that to what he’s already got and it potentially taking him to another level.”
Although he has already amassed over 200 senior appearances for Arsenal, Saka still has the majority of his career ahead of him. As he continues to develop and scale new heights in the game, that “swagger” will surely become more pronounced and effective on the pitch.
READ MORE: Everything to know about Arsenal ace Bukayo Saka from his age, parents and house
