Arsenal's Arteta explains why Saka is just like Lionel Messi

Mikel Arteta believes Bukayo Saka and Lionel Messi are similar

Arsenal's Arteta explains why Saka is just like Lionel Messi

Ayoola Kelechi 13:41 - 18.08.2024

The Gunners’ coach believes his star boy Bukayo Saka is quite similar to Lionel Messi

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta compared star forward Bukayo Saka and Argentine legend Lionel Messi following the Gunners’ winger’s standout performance in the 2024/25 Premier League opener against Wolves.

Arteta reveals Saka's Messi-like qualities

Saka was crucial to Arsenal’s eventual 2-0 win, assisting Kai Havertz's opening goal and later scoring himself to secure an opening-day victory for the Gunners.

Bukayo Saka netted the winner for Arsenal.

After the game against Wolves, Arteta spoke in glowing terms about Saka’s Man of the Match performance.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta after the game against Wolves.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta after the game against Wolves.

The Gunners’ gaffer was asked about the England international’s ability to consistently cut in on his left foot and leave defenders helpless and he compared this aspect of Saka’s game to Lionel Messi, saying, "With good players, it’s like that. With Messi, I know he’s gonna come here and put the ball there, but he does it all the time. You can’t stop him. That’s the quality of the players."

Saka set for another exceptional season

Thanks to his 16 goals last season, Saka finished the campaign as Arsenal’s top scorer in the Premier League and has been tipped to repeat the feat this season as the Gunners again vie for the title against Manchester City.

Bukayo Saka scores Arsenal's second goal in their 2-0 win over Wolves. Photo: Imago

His goal against Wolves on the opening day was the perfect start for Saka, whose assist for Havertz also puts him on the right path to reach double digits for goals and assists in all competitions for the third consecutive season with the Gunners.

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Arteta will be hoping that Saka can live up to the comparison to Messi this season, a feat that will surely go a long way to help Arsenal win their first Premier League title in more than two decades.

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