Thierry Henry with Bukayo Saka at Emirates Stadium
Thierry Henry with Bukayo Saka at Emirates Stadium
Thierry Henry has revealed that Bukayo Saka's rapid rise to Arsenal superstar was not always expected, with three other academy prospects rated above him
The Gunners legend spent time coaching Arsenal's youngsters in 2015 and helped shape the next generation of Arsenal talent. Henry was offered a role coaching the north London side's under-18s but departed when Arsene Wenger ruled the Frenchman could not combine the position with his television punditry.
Bukayo Saka has developed into Arsenal's talisman under Mikel Arteta and scored 20 goals and 14 assists last season and is on course to replicate the feat this term having added seven goals and 11 assists already. Unsurprisingly, Saka has outperformed his contemporaries after racking up such stats.
Henry revealed that Saka was not the talk of Hale End and London Colney during his time coaching. Instead his elders, Donyell Malen, Chris Willock and Reiss Nelson were earning plaudits around the building.
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“Yeah, I mean look, at the time I was in the academy, people were talking a lot about Chris Willock, the brother of Joe, Reiss Nelson and Donyell Malen. Bukayo was good, but he wasn’t the talk of the ones that was in the academy, you know, and that’s why I have mad respect for Bukayo," told BBC Sport.
“I have a soft spot for him. He’s my favourite player. He’s been there for a long time. He’s so nice. I never thought he was going to reach the level that we’re seeing.
“He’s a starter for England. He’s a starter for Arsenal. I remember when he started at the beginning, he was playing wing back on the left, on the right, wherever there was a position he was playing in, he was doing well. And the evolution of his game is just outstanding because he used to be lively, to become too difficult to defend against, to assists, to goals, to now goals and assists.”
Glen Kamara, Donyell Malen and Chris Willock of Arsenal in the changing rooms at Arsenal in 2015
Glen Kamara, Donyell Malen and Chris Willock of Arsenal in the changing rooms at Arsenal in 2015 ( Image: David Price/Arsenal FC)
“I challenged him the other day, you know, you need to take free kicks now because, you know, you got to work a bit on your free kicks!” added Henry.
It is not to say those previously tipped for greatness have had unsuccessful careers. Malen left Arsenal for PSV Eindhoven before earning a transfer to Borussia Dortmund and has racked up 106 goals in 267 appearances during his career so far. The forward has also earned 41 caps for the Netherlands.
Willock, brother of Newcastle United midfielder Joe, first made his exit to join Benfica and has since earned a career in the Championship having played more than 100 times for Queens Park Rangers. The 26-year-old is now plying his trade for Cardiff City.
Nelson meanwhile only has only said a temporary goodbye to Arsenal. The winger joined Fulham on loan on transfer deadline day having previously spent time with Hoffenheim and Feyenoord.
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