Robert Pires lauded the ability of Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka and insisted the 23-year-old is already ‘one of the best players in Europe’.
A mainstay in Mikel Arteta’s side, Saka picked up where he left off at the start of this season with five goals and ten assists in his first 16 Premier League games.
The Hale End academy product has barely missed a minute of football in recent seasons but is currently working his way back from the serious hamstring injury he picked up at the back end of last year.
The Englishman has missed Arsenal’s last 16 games in all competitions and is not expected to be considered for selection until after the upcoming international break.
Alongside Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus, who are also currently on the treatment table, Saka’s presence has been sorely missed despite the impressive showings from Ethan Nwaneri who has deputised superbly on the right wing.
And Arsenal’s stuttering title charge since Saka’s injury comes as no surprise to former Arsenal great Pires who regards Saka as one of Europe’s most deadly wide players
Bukayo Saka is one of the best players in Europe in his position,’ Pires told the Athletic.
‘He has that ability to always get past his opponent. As soon as he receives the ball, if he sees that there’s space behind the defender, he goes for it.
‘I also think he’s progressed a huge amount in his off-the-ball work. He always offers a pass when a team-mate’s on the ball.’
Discussing other wide forwards he admires, Pires also namechecked Liverpool’s Mohamaed Salah who he believes has gone up another notch this season under Arne Slot.