‘Works really hard’, ‘incredible talent’: Mikel Arteta wowed by 19-year-old Arsenal gem

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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has waxed lyrical about Gunners attacker Bukayo Saka following his latest impressive performance for the North Londoners as well as his England call-up.

The 19-year-old will be part of the Three Lions contingent for the friendly with Wales and then Nations League fixtures against Belgium and Denmark later this month.

In July, Saka told Sky Sports that he had a difficult decision to make at international level – stick with England after progressing through the youth ranks, or switch to Nigeria.

The versatile left-sided ace, who enjoyed a stellar breakthrough season at Arsenal in 2019-20, has now made his mind up and is in line to win his first senior cap over the next fortnight.

Following his call-up, Saka started for the Gunners in the League Cup trip to Liverpool, causing no end of problems for the Reds en route to a goalless draw and penalty shootout win.

When asked by Football London about Saka’s England call-up, Arteta replied: “I’m extremely happy for him, he totally deserves that chance.

“He’s a really humble boy, he’s willing to learn every day, he works really hard and he has an incredible talent. It’s a combination of everything you need to be successful.

“That call-up is going to fill him with confidence even more and I’m really happy for him.”

On the subject of Saka’s versatility, Arteta added: “The adaptability, versatility and unpredictability he gives to the team is special and as well the way he reads the different situations and scenarios we want to provoke during the games.

“Then the personality he plays with, he comes in at Anfield and wants every ball and goes for every challenge and I think he put a really good performance today again.”

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Saka has shown he’s got what it takes to star for Arsenal over the past year, with an impressive tally of 46 senior appearances, four goals and 12 assists, not to mention superb displays in numerous positions on the pitch.

And aside from his talent and versatility, his attitude is spot on, and all in all, Saka has all the tools necessary to star for club and country – great news for Arsenal and England fans.