The 2024 season is coming off to a great start for Arsenal. Fans are finally starting to see their expectations turning into reality. Mikel Arteta’s squad has been playing quite brilliantly in various competitions. Competitions like the EPL, UCL, and the Carabao Cup. One of the key players has been Bukayo Saka.
Arsenal’s “STARBOY” is only 23 by age, but he has made 236 appearances for the Red Giants. In these matches, he scored 61 goals and provided 60 assists. For his nation, he has won 43 caps, scoring 12 goals and making seven assists. He even represented his country in two major finals Euro 2020 and Euro 2024.
Although this is some pretty impressive statistics, Darren Bent was frustrated with the way some people seem to speak about Saka. According to him, people are still questioning whether Saka has stepped up and he felt there is no need for it. Darren Bent was speaking on talkSPORT as he made his thoughts known on Saka’s consistency over the years.
Bent Believes Saka Is Already An Elite
Bent is one of the people who don’t agree with those claiming that Saka needs to up his game this season. For Bent, Saka has been playing at a top level for so long now. Bent says, “It annoys me because every single time people talk about Saka, they wonder if he’s stepped up. But look at his numbers. They’re better than anybody’s.”
Bent mentioned that the Arsenal and England managers lean much on Saka. It does not matter whether it is Mikel Arteta or the coach of England, as they always select him since they know how important he is to the team. He said that because of consistency, Saka is taken for granted. His performances have become so common that people almost assume that he will be good without giving him the credit needed.
Some fans, particularly from other clubs, seek flaws in his game. They’ll be pointing out stuff like, “He’s only scored one goal this season,” all while his overall contribution is superb. Bent finds it frustrating that people continue to look for a way to diminish Saka’s accomplishments.
Saka Finally Getting Some Respect on His Name
Indeed, criticizing aside, Bent feels that Saka is finally being accorded the respect he deserves. While the faithful Arsenal fans are aware of how good Saka is on the field, it seems like the rest of the fans, not to mention experts, are only now realizing it. According to Bent, Saka has been doing it all season after season, and it is high time people realize the fact.
Saka’s statistics speak louder than words. Goal contribution, assists, and an influence on the pitch make him one of the most important players for Arsenal and England. And yet, some still ask whether he is any good.
Do The Best Players Face the Most Criticism
Saka is a world-class talent who, at the tender age of 23, already finds himself a regular spot for Arsenal and England. One isn’t even at its peak yet, which makes the future even brighter. As Bent points out, people may try to come up with reasons to downplay his achievements, but Saka’s numbers and performances are doing all the talking.
Saka is a world-class talent who, at the tender age of 23, already finds himself a regular spot for Arsenal and England. One isn’t even at its peak yet, which makes the future even brighter. As Bent points out, people may try to come up with reasons to downplay his achievements, but Saka’s numbers and performances are doing all the talking.
Saka is a world-class talent who, at the tender age of 23, already finds himself a regular spot for Arsenal and England. One isn’t even at its peak yet, which makes the future even brighter. As Bent points out, people may try to come up with reasons to downplay his achievements, but Saka’s numbers and performances are doing all the talking.
What Lies Ahead for Saka and Arsenal
Arsenal fans are in for more thrilling matches from Saka as it is clear that he will soon feature even more often. The Gunners face Bournemouth in the Premier League encounter, on Saturday, 19 October after the international break.
Saka will undoubtedly take a big role in that game, just as he has throughout this season. While some continue to ask whether he really did his part, observers of Arsenal closely know that Saka has been doing his thing for years.
According to Bent, it is high time Saka receives the respect he deserves. Whether for Arsenal or for England, this is one of the players who always impresses with wonderful skills. And it will be interesting to know what’s next in his career.
Conclusion
Darren Bent is frustrated that people keep questioning Bukayo Saka’s level. They forget that it does not take much effort for him to miss excellent consistency. Bukayo Saka has proved himself for both Arsenal and England time and time again. Yet, some of his critics continue on a hunt looking for reasons to undermine him. That is not possible with these stats and performances; he is already on a top level. Hence, with still so much more to come from this talented player, the fans of Arsenal and football in general feel honored to be able to witness him.
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