Joe Cole says Arsenal have a truly 'fantastic' 20-year-old in their ranks

Arsenal attacker Bukayo Saka has been praised by BT Sport pundit Joe Cole following the Gunners’ win at Aston Villa.

The 20-year-old is one of the best youngsters in the world and one of the first names on Mikel Arteta’s team-sheet.

On Saturday, Saka once again showed his class as he helped put Villa to the sword on their own patch.

The England international was a thorn in the hosts’ side down the right on countless occasions.

And of course, Saka scored the winner for Arsenal, a half-volley from inside the D after a scramble in the box.

More worryingly, the £33,000-a-week star was once again on the receiving end of numerous strong challenges.

In one instance, Tyrone Mings slid in and initially won the ball.

However, he followed through to the back of Saka’s ankle unnecessarily.

The Arsenal star was visibly hurt by the action and struggled to shrug it off.

Indeed, Mikel Arteta opted to take Saka off in the 69th minute in wake of the Villa players going for him repeatedly.

The Arsenal prodigy won the Man of the Match award, a decision Cole agreed with.

The former England ace said (19/3/22, 14:30): “He is the shining light, he is a fantastic young player.

“He was a thorn in Villa’s side and got the Man of the Match award, and rightly so.”

Saka’s efforts helped fourth-placed Arsenal cement a four-point gap between themselves and fifth-placed Manchester United.

He will now be on England duty as the Euro 2020 finalists prepare for two Wembley friendlies.

The Three Lions will take on Switzerland on March 26 and Ivory Coast on March 29.

‘The shining light’: Joe Cole says Arsenal have an absolutely ‘fantastic’ talent in their ranks