Arsenal Coaches Questioned Saka's Technical Ability Until Ljungberg Made Him A Fullback
Published: July 18, 2020Former Arsenal academy manager Andries Jonker has revealed that Arsenal coaches questioned the technical ability of Bukayo Saka before the intervention of Freddie Ljungberg.
Blessed with physical attributes, Saka is a modern day definition of a wing player as he is capable of playing all the roles on the left wing and he cemented his place in the Gunners first team after impressing at left-back under manager Ljungberg.
With Kieran Tierney and Sead Kolašinac returning to full fitness after the season restarted, Saka is now back playing in his more natural position.
"Bukayo was another story," Jonker told Mirror Football.
"He was a left winger, always long, tall and strong and could run faster than his team-mates or the opponents, shoot harder than them.
"It was such a physical advantage that we questioned whether he was that good. Because of his physical advantage, it was easy to doubt whether he was really a good player technically.
"Then Freddie Ljungberg made him a full-back, and he did it and showed how good he really is."
"He was a left winger, always long, tall and strong and could run faster than his team-mates or the opponents, shoot harder than them.
"It was such a physical advantage that we questioned whether he was that good. Because of his physical advantage, it was easy to doubt whether he was really a good player technically.
"Then Freddie Ljungberg made him a full-back, and he did it and showed how good he really is."
Despite a breakout season with the Gunners, Saka has shown defensive frailties when deployed at left-back and has been yellow carded seven times in 37 matches.
Igho Kingsley
Photo Credit : arsenal.com
Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com
Latest News
- 'Pulisic has been lacking a bit in the big matches' - Serafini backs Chukwueze to thrive at AC Milan
- Super Eagles watch: Onuachu 18-minute hat-trick inspires comeback; Osimhen spot on; Lookman on fire
- 'I want more than this' - Dessers refusing to rest on his laurels after netting 20th goal for Rangers
- Don Hutchison believes Liverpool should consider signing Osimhen and two other Serie A players
- Former Aston Villa man urges Liverpool to use Nunez in swap deal to sign Osimhen or Victor Boniface
- 'One of Dessers' biggest goals' - Ex-Burnley star reacts to Rangers striker's match-winning goal
- Arsenal fail in attempt to equal PL record Obi Mikel helped Chelsea set in 2008-2009
- 'He had the fullback on toast' - Ex- England manager waxes lyrical about Chelsea winger Madueke
- AS Roma coach banking on 2023 AFCON winner to frustrate 'one of the best strikers around' Osimhen
- 'I liked Pulisic' - AC Milan coach insists he won't tweak his formation to accommodate Chukwueze
Football News 24/7
News Categories
- Football Betting
- African Players
- Australia/ Asia
- Belgian Championship
- Bundesliga
- Danish Football
- English Premier League
- Nigeria National Teams
- Nigeria Premier League
- Norwegian Football
- Polish Football
- Russian Championship
- Serie A
- Spanish Liga
- Swedish Championship
- Transfer
- Turkish Championship
- Ukrainian Football
- Uncategorized
- Women's Football