Arsenal Young Stars Saka, Olayinka Catch The Eye Against Fiorentina

Nigerian teenagers Bukayo Saka and James Olayinka impressed as Arsenal recorded a 3-0 win against Italian opponents Fiorentina at the Bank of America Stadium (Charlotte, North Carolina).

The two young stars started for the Gunners for the second time in pre-season and were in action for 63 minutes.

Football. London com rated the Nigerian boys highly :

"James Olayinka: More forward-looking than his midfield colleague. Olayinka's willingness to press and win the ball back high up the pitch was encouraging indeed. 6."

"Bukayo Saka: Another hugely exciting performance from the the 17-year-old, who has strength beyond his years and the confidence to demand the ball no matter how many opponents he has pressurising him.

"Whenever the ball came his way in the first half something happened, more than can be said for many of the attackers ahead of him in the pecking order. If a new winger isn't settled in in time then why not give Saka a chance on the opening weekend? 8."

Popular Arsenal blog Daily Cannon wrote:

"James Olayinka 6 – Just like for his goal against Colorado, Olayinka pressed well from the front, which is probably why Unai Emery has taken such a fancy to him.

"Bukayo Saka 6.5 – Like Nelson, Saka wasn’t helped at all by the way he was utilised. At first, he was pushed too far infield by the wing-backs, and then he was forced over to his less-favoured right-hand side.

''Despite that, he was involved in some direct and encouraging moves, including the opening goal."

Arsenal's next game in the International Champions Cup is against Real Madrid on Wednesday, July 24.

Izuchukwu Okosi