'He Was Sensational In That Game' - Ex-Liverpool Star Backs Saka For Starting Role 2020-21

Former Liverpool midfielder Don Hutchison is backing Bukayo Saka for a starting role for Arsenal in the 2020-2021 season as some of the more experienced players in the squad are not pulling their weight.

Hutchison namechecked Saka as he revealed the three youngsters who impressed in the Community Shield win over Liverpool two weeks ago.

One thing that the England U21 international of Nigerian descent has going for him is his ability to play in multiple positions including left-back, left winger, right winger, left wing-back and central midfield.

"To what they are doing defensively, the tricky part for them is when they come up against the bigger sides, is that going to be their game plan because it's working at the moment, it's the logical way to go," Hutchison said on Premier League Weekend Warm-up. 

"Are you going to be a lot more expansive, are you going to try and stamp your authority on the game or are you going to be a counter-attacking side?

"I think that's the way to go for them now because it's their best performances when you think of Saka, Lacazette and Aubameyang."

He added : "Some of the young kids were sensational in the Community Shield, they dropped some big players. Three young boys, Nketiah played, Maitland-Niles played, Saka played, and they were sensational in that game.

"I think that's where Mikel Arteta will go, there may be some big casualties like Mesut Ozil. If you are not training or playing well, putting the miles in you will be at the door because these young players are hungry".

The 19-year-old Saka started against Liverpool in the Community Shield but is among the seven substitutes for the opening day fixture against Fulham at Craven Cottage.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel