Bukayo Saka celebrates scoring Arsenal's 3rd goal during the Premier League match against West Ham United FC
Bukayo Saka wants to continue to improve
Mikel Arteta is pleased to see Arsenal star Bukayo Saka attempting to emulate the exploits of Cristiano Ronaldo.
Saka has found plenty of reasons to admire the former Real Madrid and Manchester United star who has won the Ballon d'Or five times. While initially his talent on the field was most appealing, Arsenal's young star has been impressed by Ronaldo's ability to sustain his career towards his 40th birthday.
The Portuguese international has scored more than 900 goals across his career. That is despite not finding the net more than eight times in a season until his fourth term at Old Trafford.
It was in Saka's fourth season in senior football that he also reached double figures for the first time. Last term the 23-year-old scored 20 goals and already this season Saka has scored five goals in 12 Premier League appearances, whilst also providing 10 assists in the competition.
Few are said to look after themselves off the pitch as well as Saka and Arteta is happy to see his star replicate Ronaldo if that is his ambition. "To look is always good," said Arteta.
“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.
“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."
Mikel Arteta speaks to Arsenal star Bukayo Saka
Mikel Arteta speaks to Arsenal star Bukayo Saka
Saka requires just three more goals or assists to reach 100 in the Premier League. Should he achieve the feat by April, he would become the fourth youngest player to hit the mark in the division's history.
The Arsenal star would only have reached the landmark slower than Michael Owen, Wayne Rooney and Robbie Fowler. Saka is set to surpass both Cesc Fabregas and Ronaldo.
Arteta believes his primary offensive asset is continuing to improve. “He is adding things to his game,” said the Spaniard.
"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."
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