Mikel Arteta has given his verdict on comparisons between Bukayo Saka and Cristiano Ronaldo following a fine run of form for the Arsenal attacker.
Saka, 23, has had an exceptional start to the campaign for Arsenal, notching seven goals and 11 assists in all competitions - he is the first player in the Premier League to create 10 goals this season.
Those numbers leave him behind only Mohamed Salah in terms of goal involvements in the league this season, and Arteta admitted there has been a noticeable change in his game when asked at his press conference ahead of the Premier League clash against Manchester United.
"Yeah, in terms of the numbers, but we always see a shift in Bukayo every single year," Arteta told reporters. "He is providing something else. He is adding things to his game, he is more and more consistent and, as you mention now, obviously his numbers in terms of impact in goals and assists is incredible at this stage of the season.
"He can only improve, he can only get better. He has got the right players around him to continue to do so and especially because he wants more."
Saka stated earlier this year that former Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo was his idol, and the Arsenal youngster now has more goals and assists than the multiple Ballon d'Or winner did at his age.
Arteta was asked about a comparison between the two, and whether Saka should be aiming to improve on the former Real Madrid legend's numbers in front of goal.
"To look is always good! And probably, the way Cristiano started his career and when he joined Manchester United, nobody probably expected in the first few seasons [he would] be able to do that," Arteta said.
"But again, it was about his mentality, his work ethic, how he developed his skill, his chemistry with his team and to play in a team that has the capacity as well to be dominant. That is very, very important.
"I think B has got that context and if he is aiming for that, I think it is a positive thing."
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