Is Saka a future Ballon d'Or winner?

Ahead of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka has proven to be one of the most prized assets in world football when the focus is about players aged 21 and younger.

With the stakes high, the Hale End Academy graduate is expected to raise his ante in the Middle East and needs total concentration like the players at GG Poker Sports Betting when England face off with Iran, USA and Wales on November 21, 25 and 29 respectively in the group stage. 

The question is there anything that could stop Saka from achieving this lofty height? Bingo! The answer outright will be a big no. 

Just like many football fans have predicted his goal scoring exploits, he has not failed to impress more often than not. 

The 2022 Ballon d'Or award ceremony was held on Monday evening with Real Madrid's Karim Benzema the deserved winner of the prestigious award. 

Barcelona youngster Gavi however won the gong for the Kopa Trophy awards for players 21 years and below beating the likes of Saka and his fellow England international Jude Bellingham and seven other nominees. 

Saka who had 19 goal contributions for the Gunners last season was also nominated for the same award last year which Barcelona's Pedri won. 

Saka has scored five goals in all competitions in the 2022-2023 for the Gunners and with Arsenal building a team that is difficult to beat, there is a belief among his fan base that in the near future, that he will be nominated for the big award. 

The only other things that could mitigate against that is being injured and/or lack of appreciation for his talent by his club. 

The player's representatives and Arsenal, top hierarchy have been in discussions over a new deal for the star born of Nigerian parents over a new contract since February 2022. 

Saka's contract ends in the summer of 2024 and from that hear onwards, the expectation is that he would have become a fully grown man in the game and not have the toga of a young man hanging around him. 

Then, his football is expected to have gone a notch up and he would be in his prime. Arsenal will hope to be part of that big future. 

Is Saka good enough to be crowned the world's best some might wonder? 

The player needs to score more goals on a regular basis, his assists rate has to get better and his ability to play different roles - the two wing roles, in the attacking midfield role and left back position has to be enhanced. 

That XG (expected goals) means an increased expected value for the player and versatility will go a long way in ensuring the big dream comes true. 
 
 

Finidi George, Daniel Amokachi, Austin Okocha, Victor Ikpeba, Nwankwo Kanu and Sunday Oliseh have been nominated for the Ballon d'Or in the past, with the Arsenal legend the best ranked player, finishing eleventh in 1996.

Izuchukwu Michael