O’Leary Urges Arsenal Ace To “Step Up” As He Questions Whether His Form Merits £350K p/w
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Former Arsenal star David O’Leary has called on Bukayo Saka to “step up” and justify his wages following his performance against Leeds.
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The 25-year-old wasn’t at his best at the weekend, and O’Leary says the Gunners would be a lot “more powerful” up front if their no.7 was at the top of his game:
“I honestly don’t think he is in top form. I really like the guy. But I do think one thing: seeing him grow up and get into the team before everyone knew how good he was, I think he goes down too much now…”
“He’s not the player that he was, without a doubt. He’s still a top player, but is he the player that got this fantastic new contract at Arsenal to make him one of the top-paid players in the country? I don’t think so at the moment…”
“If he does step up, Arsenal become a more powerful team.”
Is O’Leary right to criticise Saka?
The England international has scored 3 goals in his first 6 Premier League games, so it isn’t the case that he isn’t contributing in the final third of the pitch.
There is some truth that Saka isn’t quite as fleet-footed as he used to be. His acceleration and ability to get past his opposing fullback was a key trait of his, but you don’t see it as often anymore.
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How much does the Arsenal winger earn?
Saka is now the club’s joint highest earner, along with Declan Rice. The BBC claim that both players take home around £350,000 a week.
Of course, a footballer’s performances should not simply be judged by their pay packet, but Saka was given his new four and a half year contract last February for a reason, and O’Leary clearly feels he isn’t holding up his end of the bargain currently.