Two talkSPORT pundits have now made a bold claim about Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka after his recent Euro 2024 heroics.
Arsenal attacker Bukayo Saka was England’s saviour on Saturday, as his moment of magic got the national team back into their quarter-final tie.
With the Three Lions 1-0 down with 80 minutes on the clock, Declan Rice played the ball out to his Arsenal teammate Saka on the right flank. The 22-year-old then cut inside, into space and on to his stronger left foot, before rifling an inch-perfect effort into the bottom corner from range.
With the scores level again, Gareth Southgate’s side were able to take the match all the way to a penalty shootout. England were perfect from the spot, scoring five out of five efforts, as they won the shootout. Saka was amongst the penalty takers and was congratulated by England legend David Beckham after he converted from the spot.
Arsenal fans were impressed by Saka’s overall performance, and he has now underlined his importance to this England team. His impact has now been compared to that offered by Phil Foden.
Gabby Agbonlahor and Jeff Stelling put Arsenal star Bukayo Saka ahead of Phil Foden
Manchester City star Foden has been given plenty of game time in Germany so far, and has been shifted around the pitch in an effort to coax the best out of him. He has shown flashes of quality, but is yet to make a particularly tangible impact.
Discussing the two attackers on talkSPORT (08/07/2024, 09:10) former Aston Villa forward Gabby Agbonlahor said of Saka: “He has got 11 Man of the Matches in 28 starts for England.”
Presenter Jeff Stelling responded: “Wow!”
As Agbonlahor continued: “12 goals in 38 games. You look at Phil Foden. Four goals in 39 games. Saka turns up for England. He is versatile. He will left wing-back, he will play off the right he can play off the left.
“Even yesterday against Switzerland, you know, he is coming into helping midfield, he is coming in and stopping attacks. He knows his defensive responsibilities as well. What can you say? He is England’s most important player.”
Stelling then added: “Yet, before the tournament and really in the early stages of the tournament as well, there was talk of maybe him not starting, but he has silenced them now.”
Arsenal chasing Riccardo Calafiori and mystery German target as England face Switzerland
In this week’s episode, Will Jones and Rahul Lakhani discussed England’s recent victory over Slovakia at the European Championships. With Arsenal players Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka featuring again, Man City star Kyle Walker came under scrutiny.
With Arsenal also linked to Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori, the pair explained why the Italy star could be the perfect fit for Mikel Arteta. Recent social media rumours surrounding a potential Arsenal move for a Germany International were also addressed, with some candidates named.
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