Cameron Smith
Bukayo Saka, Cristiano Ronaldo
© IMAGO
Mikel Arteta has admitted that Bukayo Saka’s impact at Arsenal this season has been “incredible,” while he has given his verdict on comparisons with Cristiano Ronaldo.
Saka has notched seven goals and 11 assists in 18 appearances across all competitions so far this campaign and he delivered a masterful performance during Arsenal’s 5-2 win over West Ham United on Saturday.
The England international has previously revealed that he idolised Ronaldo during his childhood, and Arteta was asked whether Saka should look to emulate the Portugal legend’s immense goalscoring record ahead of Arsenal’s clash against Manchester United.
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“To look is always good,” the Gunners boss admitted.
“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,” the Arsenal boss continued.
“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 Bukayo has got that context and if he is aiming for that, I think it is a positive thing.”
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Bukayo Saka, Arsenal
© IMAGO - Bukayo Saka, Arsenal
What else has Mikel Arteta said?
In addition to his verdict on whether Saka should aim to mimic Ronaldo, Arteta was also keen to stress the England star’s development this season. “In terms of the numbers, we always see a shift in Bukayo every single year,” Arteta said.
“He is providing something else. He is adding things to his game, he is more and more consistent, and 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.”