Bukayo Saka missed three months of a season that brought no silverware to the Emirates and admits it left him feeling frustrated - but he is certain the experience will make the squad stronger
Bukayo Saka has reflected on a disappointing season for Arsenal
Bukayo Saka has reflected on a disappointing season for Arsenal
Bukayo Saka has reflected on a disappointing season for Arsenal but is convinced Mikel Arteta’s side will be a more formidable force when the new Premier League campaign kicks off in August. Saka missed three months of a season that brought no silverware to the Emirates and admits it left him feeling frustrated.
But he is certain the experience will make himself and his club team-mates stronger. He said: “It’s been a bit of a frustrating year with injuries. We all know there’s a lot of speculation around us ( Arsenal ) and who we’re signing this summer.
“But once that’s all done at the end of the summer, the relationships we need to work on, we’ll work on at the training ground, at the Emirates and wherever we’re playing.
“We will be stronger. I have no doubts.” And Saka, 23, is looking forward to developing his own individual game.
He went on: “Each year I’ve developed and improved. I’ve still got a bit of a way to go as well. I need to keep on working hard and with all the games I’m playing, all the experiences with the tournaments, it’s only going to make me better from learning from it.”
Saka will feature for England against Senegal at the City Ground and, at some stage, will be alongside his Arsenal team-mates Declan Rice and Myles Lewis-Skelly.
“I can only say positives about Myles,” smiled Saka. “He’s a top talent, with a good mentality, lots of confidence and that’s why he can come here (to the England camp) and play the way he does. Big credit to him, I hope he keeps progressing and keeps improving. It’s exciting to see what the future holds for him.”
And on Thursday, another Arsenal teenager, Ethan Nwaneri will be a key figure when the England under-21 team begins its defence of their Euro title in Slovakia.
“Ethan is a top talent and I’m definitely looking forward to watching him shine this summer,” said Saka. “I wish him all the best. He knows I’m here if he needs me.”
Saka - who has twice been England’s player of the year - was not involved in the painful victory over Andorra in Barcelona but is eager to again show what he can do for his country.
Saka endured an injury-hit campaign with Arsenal
Saka endured an injury-hit campaign with Arsenal
He went on: “I love coming to England camps and playing for England. After the last game of the (club) season, I had a little strain, so fair play to England - they managed me quite well during the week.
“I was only able to do one or two sessions before the game so the manager made a decision to leave me out and have me involved (against Senegal).”
England’s performance against Andorra drew some fierce criticism but Saka is convinced they are still on course to make a big impact at the World Cup finals next summer.
He said: “I think we have more than enough world-class players, talents, experienced players. I think we have the right balance in this team. It’s about getting the best out of all of us, getting us to gel in the right way and taking that to the World Cup next year.”
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