'Showed Why He Is So Highly Rated' - Arsenal Debutant Saka Gets Good Ratings In Iwobi's Absence

Published: November 30, 2018

The performance of Bukayo Saka, the young England youth international of Nigerian descent for Arsenal in their Group E game of the UEFA Europa League on Thursday evening,was one of the positive outcomes in a routine 3-0 win over Ukrainian side Vorskla Poltava.

The English press were lavish in their praises of the Gunners dominated by their youngsters as most of the first team players like Nigeria international Alex Iwobi were left back in London ahead of Sunday's North London Derby against Tottenham Hotspur.

Express.co.uk rated the youngster 7 from a possible 10.

"SUB: Bukayo Saka (on for Ramsey, 68 mins) – 7."

"Really made an impression with a burst of pace to beat Perduta and created a good chance for Willock.

Saka was handed Saka a rating of 6 out of 10 by www.mirror.co.uk.

"Bukayo Saka. Showed why he is so highly rated with a lovely piece of play down the left before seeing his powerful shot saved. 6."

The4thofficial.net gave Saka a slightly lower rating albeit above average.

"LW: Bukayo Saka – 6/10.

"He made a great run in the second half but couldn't convert when the chance presented itself.

The online version of ESPN was another publication that scored Saka a decent 7/10.

"MF Bukayo Saka, 7 -- The 17-year-old winger replaced Ramsey in the 68th and also showed flashes of his flair and skill down the flank."

For www.dailystar.co.uk, it was simply a 7 for Saka - there was no texts written for the three substitutes.

A 6/10 was www.soccersouls.com rating of the lad who they felt may have scored but for his bit part role.

"Buyaka Saka (6/10). Looked lively after coming on and could have probably scored had he had more time."

The youngster who is eligible to switch allegiance for Nigeria, the country of his parents, is likely to also be in the team for the last Group game against Qarabag on 13 December 2018.

Izuchukwu Okosi

Photo Credit : arsenal.com