Arsenal icon Thierry Henry has revealed that one player’s rise to prominence has astonished everyone at the club. Despite the Gunners boasting several world-class talents, this particular player’s growth has been nothing short of extraordinary.
Henry’s High Praise for Bukayo Saka
Bukayo Saka, now regarded as Arsenal’s standout performer, has had a sensational 2023/24 season. With 20 goals and 14 assists, his contributions have been pivotal. Saka, once a promising academy talent, has surpassed all expectations.
From Academy to Stardom
Henry, who worked with Arsenal’s youth teams while earning his coaching badges, recalls Saka’s early days at the academy. The French legend never anticipated Saka would reach such heights. Reflecting on Saka’s journey, Henry expressed his admiration for the young winger’s development.
Overcoming Adversity
Henry also touched upon Saka’s resilience following his missed penalty in the European Championship final against Italy. Henry praised Saka’s mental fortitude and how he has rebounded since that difficult moment. Speaking on the Premier League’s official YouTube channel, Henry said, “He has a coach in the national team that can help him because that happened to him, and he has a family. You just need to go out there and once again perform. You perform and people will forget. And that’s exactly what he did.”
Henry continued, “I know Bukayo for a very long time, since the academy. I don’t think anyone thought he was going to be what he became. There was a lot of hope. But what he has been doing is just outstanding! He’s so humble, the way he sees the game… defending well, attacking well, clever the way he holds the ball, now he’s adding goals and assists to his game.”
Saka’s Unique Strength
Beyond his technical skills, Saka’s physical strength is an underrated aspect of his game. According to a Premier League defender, Saka is one of the strongest players in the league. This strength, combined with his dribbling ability and two-footed skill inside the box, makes him a formidable opponent.
A Bright Future Ahead
At just 22 years old, Saka’s future looks incredibly bright. His continuous improvement is a promising sign for Arsenal and a worrying one for their rivals. With his talent, work ethic, and resilience, Saka is set to achieve even greater heights in the coming years.