'He's Played Everywhere' - Pundit Questions Southgate's Decision To Snub Nigeria Target Saka

Published: September 10, 2020

Former England cricketer Darren Gough has questioned Gareth Southgate's decision not to call-up Arsenal rising star Bukayo Saka for the UEFA Nations League matches against Iceland and Denmark this month.

Gough believes that the PFA Young Player of the Year nominee would have been useful to the squad as he's versatile and left-footed.

The talkSPORT pundit was bewildered that Saka wasn't invited as Southgate knew beforehand that he was going to play a 3-4-3 system.

Southgate's decision to overlook Saka was greeted with euphoria in these parts as the Nigeria Football Federation are still trying to convince the winger to switch his international allegiance from England to Nigeria.

Assuming the Hale End Academy product played in any of the UEFA Nations League matches in September, the London native would have become cap-tied to his country of birth.

"It was surprising. We talked about many players, we heard about Saka, what a season he had, he could have played in that position, he's another player," Gough said on talkSPORT.

"He's played at left-back, he's played at left wing-back, he's played everywhere and he had a fantastic season."

The 19-year-old Saka made his full competitive debut for England U21s in a 6-0 win against Kosovo about a week ago.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : arsenal.com

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