Bukayo Saka Served By Steven Gerrard With ‘Charge To Get Tougher’

Arsenal of England winger, Bukayo Saka has been served a stern charge to get tougher in English Premier League action, in order to become a better player.

The charge came from former Liverpool skipper and current coach of Aston Villa, Steven Gerrard, who said he was taken aback with how Saka complained about hard tackles during last weekend’s fixture.

Saka demanded more protection from referees to avoid copping a nasty injury, but Gerrard, who last handled Glasgow Rangers of Scotland before taking the saddle at Villa Park, has labeled the Arsenal whiz-kid as a softie.

Tyrone Mings was booked for catching the Nigerian-born youngster late with his studs, while the England man also earned numerous free-kicks before being substituted with 20 minutes to go.

Rather than commiserate with the lad, Gerrard had little sympathy with Saka’s complaints at rough treatment in Arsenal’s win at Villa Park on Saturday, as the gaffer stressed that tackles are part of the game.

The England legend went on to frontally tell Saka that he needs to toughen up after the Arsenal winger asked for more protection during the Gunners’ victory over Aston Villa.

Gerrard submitted: “It’s part of the game. The last time I checked it’s not a no-contact sport. I think tackles are allowed, physicality’s allowed.

“He’s a good player, he’s an outstanding talent and I love him. But he can’t complain about that side. That’s football.

“I’m sitting here now with screws in my hips, I’ve had about 16 operations, I’m struggling to go to the gym at the moment.

“That’s all on the back of earning a living in English football. He’ll learn and he’ll learn quick.”

However, Saka earlier told BT Sport after scoring the only goal in a 1-0 victory at Villa Park that he had talked to the referee, Andrew Madley about the treatment he was getting from Villa’s players.

Saka explained: “I wasn’t complaining to the ref but I just wanted to let him know that that’s my game, running at players with pace.

“Sometimes I need a bit more protection when players are purposefully trying to kick me.”