Arsenal of England youngster, Bukayo Saka has found words of encouragement coming his way, following his new role as left-back with the London club, megasportsarena.com reports.
Although many observers have faulted the youngster’s defensive abilities, with critical words coming his way after his struggles against Chelsea last weekend, but former Arsenal striker, Charlie Nicholas believes Saka has done well in his make-shift role as The Gunners’ left-back.
Indeed, Nicholas’ view appears to be concretised by latest statistics that show how the 18-year-old Saka has achieved six tackles, three interceptions and two clearances in the first two English Premier League games during which he was deployed as The Gunners’ left-back.
Although the dark-skinned Saka is known to be a regular left-sided winger, he was first lined out as a left-back by Arsenal’s immediate past interim coach, Freddie Ljungberg in a fixture away to Everton, on ly for him to get the nod for same role in new boss, Mikel Arteta’s first outing as Arsenal’s manager, on the road to Bournemouth.
While many experts of the game believe Saka struggled against Chelsea on Saturday, as The Gunners lost the London derby 2-1 at home, Nicholas says he was pleased with the Nigerian-born teenager’s efforts to hold his own in an unfamiliar position on the field of play.
Nicholas wrote in his column with Sky Sports: “You see that he had to play Bukayo Saka at left-back, but he has done very well considering he is an attacker.”
