Former England coach Joleon Lescott has revealed the one "insane" aspect of Bukayo Saka's game that left him utterly shocked during their time working together with the national team.
The 'world-class' decision-making that stunned a coach
Speaking on the In The Mixer podcast, brought to you by Sky Bet, Lescott detailed his awe at the Arsenal forward's mentality. "When I was working with the England squad I thought he was world-class because his decision-making is so spot on," Lescott stated.
He elaborated on what makes the 24-year-old so exceptional, highlighting a discipline rarely seen in players of his age. "I've never met someone that young, a player who whatever he's supposed to do, he will do it. His decision-making is insane," Lescott explained.
The ex-defender provided a specific example: "Like if you give him down the line it's, 'I'm gonna cross with my right foot.' If you cut inside and there's a shot on or a cross on it's, 'I'm gonna do it. I'm not gonna think, let me just change this or I'm gonna get bored...' It's like, 'No.' If you give him that option, that is the outcome."
A key return for Arsenal's title ambitions
Saka's return to full fitness is a major boost for Mikel Arteta's side as they pursue the Premier League crown. The winger was sidelined earlier this campaign with a hamstring issue but is now back influencing games for a team desperate to go one better after three consecutive second-place finishes.
His journey from academy prospect to global star is well-documented. Saka joined Arsenal's academy at just seven years old, made his first-team debut in 2018, and has since become one of the club's most vital players. In May 2023, he penned a long-term deal with his boyhood club, though that contract is set to expire in 2027 with no renewal yet agreed.
Arteta's confidence in Saka's long-term future
Despite the ongoing speculation, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta remains supremely confident that his star man will commit his future to the Emirates Stadium. Addressing the situation, Arteta preferred to use the word "confidence" over concern.
"What Bukayo has transmitted to me and the club, and his agent Emeka [Obasi] as well is that they want to continue to be here," Arteta said. "It's a very healthy and powerful relationship. The journey that he has had at the club and what he has become is something we want to maintain. That is something that is going to leave a legacy at this club and he needs to fulfil that role."
For Lescott, beyond the impressive mentality, it is Saka's fundamental technique that deserves more praise. "I was so impressed by his technique fundamentally. It's underrated. Definitely underrated how clean he is," he concluded, cementing the view that Saka's all-round game makes him one of the Premier League's most complete talents.
