Saka ‘capable of playing for Real’
Former Arsenal player Emmanuel Petit believes Bukayo Saka is capable of playing for Real Madrid.
He said: “Saka could easily be playing for Real Madrid. He’s one of the best players in the world in his position, even at this early stage of his career.
“It’s incredibly rare to see someone return from injury and consistently perform at such a high level, as he did on Tuesday night.
“His contributions in terms of goals and assists are elite. Just look at his performance against Madrid — he was absolutely crucial for Arsenal.
“One-on-one, down the flank, he’s a nightmare to defend. If Madrid were to make a move for him, I’m sure their fans would be more than delighted.”
Wright stunned by Arsenal ace
The superlative for Mikel Merino continue with Ian Wright the latest to sing him praises.
He told the Wrighty’s House podcast: “Yes, this is the best, one of the best finishes you’ll ever see how in the box from a player that’s supposedly not a centre forward,” said Wright.
“Everything what he’d done about that goal was extreme quality.
“The thing with it is that, once it came into him and again, what you have to appreciate is the weight of the pass into him by Miles Lewis-Skelly is perfect.
“Obviously Merino’s coming backwards knowing that the ball’s coming with the right amount of pace. The goalkeeper has to because the ball’s coming across. He has to go into the middle of his goal.
“So to catch it going backwards so cleanly and putting it back where it’s come from into the side netting with a goalkeeper the size of Courtois, honestly…
“This is why I was so pleased (Alan) Shearer was on last night because Shearer was saying that is an unbelievable finish.
“You know, it’s an unbelievable finish. The way he executed that, it was so good.”
Even better than Rice
Thierry Henry was in awe of Bukayo Saka’s display against Real Madrid so soon after his injury return.
He told CBS Sports: “Declan Rice came big on the two free-kicks but ultimately, for me, as I said, Bukayo Saka created everything, the two fouls were on him.
“Every time, taking the ball, running past one to two to three to four players to go inside and get the free-kicks.
“To come back in the time he has is unbelievable, he’s unreal.”
“He’s a top guy, we need to be ready next week because the Bernabeu, we know what it’s like to play there, he [Mikel Merino] can obviously tell you what it’s like.”
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