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‘Not good enough right now’…Pundit says 22-year-old Arsenal star needs a reality check from Mikel Arteta
Anton Ferdinand has suggested that Mikel Arteta may need to seriously consider dropping Bukayo Saka to give the Arsenal youngster something of a reality check.
Bukayo Saka remains Arsenal’s leading goalscorer and assist provider in the Premier League this season. However, he has been largely disappointing of late.
The 22-year-old has scored just one goal and not provided an assist in his last seven appearances for the Gunners in all competitions. And it was noted that Saka needs to improve despite playing the full 90 minutes of their 5-0 win over Crystal Palace at the weekend.
Mikel Arteta should consider resting Arsenal star Bukayo Saka
Saka has been absolutely sensational throughout his time in the Arsenal first-team. He was one of the few shining lights when he first broke into the side. And he quickly became one of the club’s best players.
However, he has not been as influential or impressive this season. And speaking on , Anton Ferdinand suggested that the time has come for Mikel Arteta to take him out of the firing line.
“In terms of Saka, sometimes as footballers, and I’ve been there, sometimes you need a kick up the bum. But whether you have one or not, he’s in a rut right now. Sometimes it might be ‘come out, because you’re not good enough right now’,” he said.
“It gives him a reality check. I need to up my game again. Because he’s still young by the way. He’s young, so young players need that. As long as it’s done to them in the right way and they’re dealt with properly after it, they need that. I think Saka is in need of that right now.”
Dip in form was inevitable
Saka has played a remarkable amount of football in the early stages of his career. He has already made more than 200 appearances for Arsenal in all competitions, while he has 32 caps for his country.
It was inevitable that his form was going to drop at some stage. It is also probably fair to say that teams have now got a better idea of how they think they should play against Saka.
Ultimately, Arteta has to do what is best for Arsenal in their Premier League title push. And if Saka’s form does not improve in the near future, he may have to seriously consider giving him a rest.