Arsenal legend Ian Wright has caused a bit of a stir recently following some of his comments on Bukayo Saka.
The 22-year-old has come under a fair bit of criticism for some of his performances for England at Euro 2024. Several pundits including Jamie Carragher have claimed that Saka has underperformed for the Three Lions.
That has led to a number of opinions about the Arsenal star, with people like Alan Shearer calling for Saka to be dropped in favour of Cole Palmer.
Wright had another suggestion, but Micah Richards is completely against that one.
Micah Richards reacts to Ian Wright’s suggestion about Arsenal star Bukayo Saka
Saka has started all three games for England at Euro 2024 so far.
The Arsenal man was outstanding in the Three Lions’ opening fixture against Serbia and was even involved in Jude Bellingham’s goal in the game.
However, since then, Saka, like many of his England teammates, has been fairly quiet, and that has led to some criticism in recent weeks.
So, Arsenal legend Wright came up with the suggestion of deploying Saka at left-back in England’s next game, which is against Slovakia on Sunday.
That has caused quite a debate on social media, with some agreeing with Wright, while others are completely against it.
Richards has now had his say, and he is not on the same page as Wright.
“I love Wrighty, I love his opinions, but I wouldn’t play Saka at left-back,” Richards said on the Rest is Football podcast.
“I just think, again, we’re looking at fitting players in just to get them into the team. But then, you’ve got no balance to the team.
“Saka could play it (left-back), I think in terms of on the ball and overlapping and all that sort of thing, perfect. He’s strong, Saka, as well. He’s good in a duel.
“But, I just think, no, stick to your usual defenders. If you want to put Walker left back, I would go with that and maybe Trent right back. But no, I won’t put Saka left back.”
Who is right – Wright or Richards?
Saka has played at left-back before for both Arsenal and England.
The Englishman has an excellent left foot, is quick, strong and has proven that he can have a positive impact from the left side.
However, the problem for England isn’t Saka – it’s Gareth Southgate‘s system.
The Arsenal man is the best right-winger in the Premier League apart from Mohamed Salah. He has been incredible for years now.
If Saka can’t deliver on the right wing for England in this system, we don’t think anybody else in the squad can either.
Richards is right here, we just don’t see any reason for Southgate to move Saka to left-back – either play him on the right flank or don’t play him at all.