'They will soon find out': Bukayo Saka debate will leave Arsenal's rivals feeling foolish

Debates about “world class” never end well, but in the case of Bukayo Saka, an all-powerful defense has been launched.

He Arsenal The superstar is entering the conversation as one of the game's best attackers, having started the season with seven assists in the Premier League, the most of any player in Europe's big five leagues.

Now in his sixth full season of senior football, the 23-year-old is one of the first names in the squad for both the Gunners and England.

That status is not easy to achieve either. For the Three Lions he has to compete with other elite talents in Cole Palmer and Phil Fodenwhile at Arsenal, continuous improvement is non-negotiable as they become regular contenders for the trophy.

Saka is mastering both feats, putting him in the conversation as “world class,” a term that is difficult to define and often subjective.

Some talkSPORT pundits, including Gabby Agbonlahor, Danny Mills and Jason Cunday, have written him off, comparing him unfavorably to Liverpool. Mohamed Salah who gets better numbers in the same position.

But that has sparked a wave of disagreement and even a warning to rival supporters.

Presenting your case, Darren Bent argued: “I think he has been playing at such a high level for so long that we are so used to seeing him play at this level that people, not Arsenal fans, are looking for reasons to discredit him.

“Even his numbers in terms of assists this season are incredible. They will find something to say about him: “he only has one goal.” In every international tournament, Saka appears.”

Renowned Arsenal podcaster Clive Palmer went even further and explained how good the attacker has become.

“There are many facets and phases to a game and you can rely on it in any phase of the game,” he began.

“You can trust him as an auxiliary defender, he can push up, he can do it inside, he is quick in transitions, in defense and attack, he is a complete footballer.

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“I feel like a lot of people at Arsenal are trying to tell everyone about this, but maybe they just need to keep quiet a bit and relax because it's still early in the season.

“You will soon know when it arrives on your field and we should not get angry at comparisons with players who are not as complete in their game, who cannot play without the ball, who cannot play defensively going backwards. .

“If you know your football, this is not a serious conversation. What he has produced in the last three or four years was in a team on the rise, it was not a top team and he has us here and he is still rising, he is improving.

“If people don't think he's good, look at what other coaches are doing to stop him and they'll tell you how good he is.”

Former striker Adrian Clarke agreed, adding: “There's a bit of composure to his game now, he knows he can beat players inside or out, he just looks smooth and the way he hits the ball is consistent, It's cleaner.” “When he came out, his shot wasn't very good and now he hits the ball very cleanly.”

It is not just those with an Arsenal side leaning towards Saka, as former Newcastle, Crystal Palace and West Ham manager Alan Pardew added: “Saka underlines his quality against that team, they look suitable contenders as They did it last year and you could argue that they are even stronger this season. I think they will win it (the Premier League).”

Former Chelsea and Ireland striker Tony Cascarino also joined in and commented: “Saka is a different class, I think he has grown into a man in the last year.

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“There was one kid who was really bright and electric and caused problems, but I watched him against Dan Burn thinking 'this will be interesting', but Saka didn't duck anything against him physically.”

The debate will no doubt continue, but with more of football's biggest names moving to Saka's side and his production increasing, it may not be long before it is over.