Theirry Henry has admitted that he never expected one Arsenal star to reach his current level.
The Gunners have come leaps and bounds in the last four years under Mikel Arteta, with the former Manchester City coach transforming Arsenal back into their former best having challenged for the last two Premier League titles.
With the Arsenal squad one of the youngest in Europe, there’s a real sense that the Gunners could be around for a while in challenging for silverware with Arteta at the wheel, who has managed to bring the best out of a number of players in north London.
Yet legend Henry has been surprised by how good one player has become in recent years.
Henry shocked by how Bukayo Saka has developed at Arsenal
Speaking on World Beaters, Henry shared that he did not expect Bukayo Saka to develop in the manner that he has at Arsenal, with the former striker working with the 22-year-old during his time as an academy coach at Hale End.
Henry said when asked about his first thoughts on Saka during his academy days: “I knew about Bukayo for a very long time, since the academy, and I don’t think anyone thought he was going to be what he became.
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“There was a lot of hope, but what he’s been doing has been outstanding. He’s so humble, the way he sees the game, defending well, attacking well, clever, the way he uses the ball. Now he’s adding goals and assists to his game.
“To remember that guy I saw in the academy early doors and to see what he became, when you have that will, grit, desire and work-ethic, talent can be one thing but if you don’t have the rest you’re going nowhere, and he has that.”
Saka’s growth has been one of Arsenal’s best success stories
Saka had always been a promising talent during his Hale End days, yet for the 22-year-old winger to develop into one of the best attackers in the world is nothing short of sensational for Arsenal.
Whilst the Gunners have had some brilliant success stories across the years, Saka’s is arguably the best in recent memory given just how good the England international has turned out since his debut.
Indeed, Arsenal have a genuine superstar on their hands in Saka, and the youngster this summer could take his stock even higher with a good showing at the Euros with England out there in Germany.