Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has heaped praise on Bukayo Saka, drawing a remarkable comparison between the young Englishman and the legendary Lionel Messi. Following Arsenal’s impressive 2-0 win over Wolves in their Premier League opener, Arteta highlighted Saka’s outstanding performance, which saw the 22-year-old deliver both a goal and an assist. The victory at the Emirates Stadium was the perfect start for the Gunners as they embark on a new campaign with title aspirations.
Bukayo Saka wasted no time making his mark in the match, setting up Kai Havertz for the opening goal with a perfectly placed cross. The German international capitalized on Saka’s assist, converting the opportunity to give Arsenal an early lead. Saka then doubled the advantage with a signature strike, cutting inside and curling the ball past Wolves’ goalkeeper, Jose Sa. His goal was a classic Saka move, one that has become his trademark in the Premier League.
Mikel Arteta, clearly impressed with Saka’s performance, did not hold back in his post-match comments. The Arsenal boss likened the challenge of defending against Saka to that of facing Lionel Messi, a player widely regarded as one of the greatest in football history. Arteta emphasized Saka’s ability to consistently produce moments of magic, even when opponents are fully aware of his intentions.
“With good players, it’s like that,” Arteta remarked. “With Messi, you know he’s going to come here and put the ball there, but he does it all the time. You can’t stop him. That’s the quality of the players. Bukayo has that same quality. Teams know what he’s going to do, but they can’t stop him.”
This comparison to Messi is not only a testament to Saka’s talent but also highlights the immense potential he possesses at such a young age. At just 22, Saka has already established himself as one of the top talents in the Premier League. His ability to perform consistently at a high level is rare, especially for a player of his age.
Teammate Kai Havertz was also full of praise for Saka after the match. The former Chelsea ace, who joined Arsenal in the summer, was pleased with the team’s performance and particularly impressed by Saka’s contribution. Havertz described Saka as “unbelievable” and expressed his belief that the young winger still has room to grow.
“Saka is unbelievable. There are not a lot of players like him on the planet, and he is still so young. He can get better. It is very rare to see a young player like this perform every week at the highest level,” Havertz said in a post-match interview.
Havertz’s comments reflect the sentiment shared by many within the Arsenal camp. Saka’s development over the past few seasons has been nothing short of extraordinary. From his breakthrough as a teenager to becoming one of Arsenal’s key players, Saka has consistently demonstrated his importance to the team.
Mikel Arteta also took the opportunity to commend the dedication and professionalism of his players who returned late from their Euro 2024 duties. Saka, along with David Raya and Declan Rice, was part of the England squad that reached the final stages of the tournament. Despite the demands of a busy summer, these players returned to Arsenal ready to hit the ground running.
“I’m not surprised,” Arteta noted. “That was their mentality straight away after the last game. They said, ‘I’m gonna be ready for the first game.’ They were already getting prepared when they were on holidays. This is the mentality that we need. If players are making that kind of commitment, it will grow around the team and raise the level. That’s what we need.”
This mentality, according to Arteta, is exactly what Arsenal needs to push for the Premier League title. The Gunners have shown steady progress under Arteta’s leadership, and the expectations for this season are higher than ever. With a squad brimming with talent and a renewed sense of purpose, Arsenal is determined to challenge for the top honors in English football.
Saka’s performance against Wolves is a clear indication of his importance to Arsenal’s ambitions. As one of the team’s standout players, his ability to influence matches will be crucial as the season progresses. The comparison to Messi, while flattering, also underscores the responsibility Saka carries as one of Arsenal’s leading lights.
The 2-0 victory over Wolves was more than just a winning start for Arsenal; it was a statement of intent. With players like Saka stepping up and delivering on the big stage, the Gunners have every reason to be optimistic about their chances this season. The challenge now will be maintaining this level of performance consistently throughout the campaign.
As Arsenal prepares for the long season ahead, the spotlight will undoubtedly remain on Bukayo Saka. His development, consistency, and ability to perform under pressure will be key factors in determining Arsenal’s success. For now, the comparisons to Messi may seem premature, but if Saka continues on his current trajectory, there’s no telling how far he can go.
In conclusion, Mikel Arteta’s comparison of Bukayo Saka to Lionel Messi following Arsenal’s victory over Wolves is a reflection of the young winger’s exceptional talent and potential. Saka’s performance in the Premier League opener was a reminder of his importance to Arsenal and his ability to consistently deliver in key moments. As Arsenal sets its sights on the Premier League title, Saka’s brilliance will be central to their campaign, and the comparisons to Messi may soon seem entirely justified.
