Mikel Arteta had immense words of praise for Bukayo Saka and his “incredible talent” after the Arsenal attacker netted a brace in the 3-0 win over Monaco which moved his side closer to the Champions League round of 16 on Wednesday.
The 23-year-old netted in the latter stages of both halves before Kai Havertz secured the points for Arsenal’s fourth win in six games in the new-look league phase of Europe’s premiere competition.
Arteta’s side sit third on the log with two games against Dinamo Zagreb and Girona to come in January, as they chase automatic qualification to the last 16 via a finish in the top eight.
Saka has scored five times in his last six games in all competitions, totalling nine for the season and double figures for assists as well and Arsenal will need their England star to maintain his shining form if they are to mount a challenge for the biggest club competition.
However, Arteta knows better than anyone else how Saka has improved since he took charge in 2019.
“He looks really mature. What he has already done in the game at his age is incredible. Very humble, a great guy to have around and an incredible talent,” Arteta said.
“He’s a special person. In his role his leadership is increasing. With the young kids he is amazing, with the seniors he is amazing. He is loved by everybody and he makes the difference on the pitch.”
Saka is starting to gain attention as one of the wingers and forwards in the world and Arteta agrees that he is on the right trajectory to be mentioned alongside the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland and Vinicius Junior.
“That is what he wants to do. That is the ambition he has and the quality he has. He is preparing himself every day so I’m not surprised.
“You have to be able to do that consistently throughout many years to prove yourself in that position.
“What he has done at that age, you can put him in those brackets. What he has done in his six years in professional football is exceptional and that’s it.
“That has been an evolution. He wasn’t able to do that at 18 or 19. A year or two ago, he developed in the right way, his condition, his preparation.
“Now he has the habit to play every three days and he is doing that at the highest level,” he added.
