Mikel Arteta says one Arsenal player is now more aggressive than he used to be

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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has spoken highly of Bukayo Saka’s development over the course of the season.

The 20-year-old has long been one of the first names on the Gunners manager’s team sheet.

And this season, Saka has continued to develop and flourish into a world-class player.

With seven goals and four assists in the Premier League so far, he has already eclipsed his combined total for 2020-21.

Saka has played more Premier League minutes than any other Arsenal player under Arteta.

The Gunners boss admitted last April that it took him a while to figure him out.

Saka previously played at wing-back, but he has now cemented his place on the right side of attack.

“He understands the game much better”

Arteta spoke to Sky Sports ahead of Arsenal’s meeting with Watford and covered a range of topics.

One of these was Saka’s development, Arteta lauding his player’s consistency and new-found “aggression”.

However, the Arsenal boss also noted how Saka remains humble, committed and hungry as ever.

“I think his biggest improvement is the level of consistency he’s playing with,” said Arteta.

“To have moments is fine. A lot of players can do that. But to play consistently at that level is very difficult.

“Opponents know him and people expect a lot of him but he is still as humble, as committed and as hungry as he was when I met him on the first day.

“Now, I think he understands the game much better and I think he also has a different level of aggression as a player which I think was very needed in him.”

“In love with Arsenal”

In July 2020, Saka signed a new contract at Arsenal which will take him to the summer of 2024.

According to football.london, Arsenal are planning to offer him a new deal at the end of the current campaign.

In addition, Fabrizio Romano recently claimed that the England international is “in love with Arsenal”.

If true, amazing news for everyone connected with the club.