One Arsenal player deserves greater credit for his contribution to the North London club’s cause this season.
Plenty of Arsenal players impressed this season.
Declan Rice was a revelation in his first campaign at the Emirates Stadium, Kai Havertz proved plenty of his doubters wrong, whilst Leandro Trossard became an integral figure in Mikel Arteta’s squad with his goals in the run-in.
On top of that, William Saliba set an Arsenal record this season, as he became the first outfield player to ever play every minute of a Premier League campaign for the club. The French centre-back was imperious alongside Gabriel Magalhaes in the heart of the Gunners’ rearguard.
However, arguably the club’s most important player this season was Bukayo Saka. The Hale End academy graduate ended the campaign with 20 goals and 14 assists to his name from 47 outings across all competitions.
Does Arsenal star Bukayo Saka deserve more credit?
Despite this enormous contribution, the 22-year-old was not always given the credit he deserved. Earlier in the campaign, Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand sparked a debate by claiming that Saka cannot yet be considered a “world-class” player.
Arsenal fans also expressed frustration with Saka at times. Certainly, it is fair to say that the winger produced the odd poor performance this season, but overall he was sensational, and because he has been so good for a number of seasons already, it is easy to forget how young he still is.
The fact that Saka is already as good and reliable as he is, and capable of bearing such a burden of responsibility within the Arsenal team, is extraordinary.
Charles Watts has now come to the England star’s defence. Speaking on his Inside Arsenal YouTube channel, the reporter said: “I think Saka’s season has been absolutely underrated by a lot of people. I think he still had a really, really good season. His numbers are fantastic…He’s exceeded any other season, and this is one where you’d say he hasn’t always been at his best. He just gets booted around constantly, gets up, keeps going.”
Bukayo Saka the key to future Arsenal success
Saka is certainly often targeted by opposition defenders. He is regularly fouled, as opponents can conjure no other means of stopping him. Arsenal called on PGMOL this season to offer Saka more protection in matches.
If Arsenal are to go one step better next season and actually win the Premier League title, then Saka will surely be central to that success. He deserves to be hailed and appreciated as the generational talent that he is.