Bukayo Saka, Arsenal's electrifying winger and England international, wasn't always the prodigy fans see today. His former youth coach, Mehmet Ali, has revealed fascinating details about Saka's early development, including why he was still playing U12 football at an older age.
The Making of a Star
Ali, who coached Saka at Greenford Celtic, explained that the young talent was technically advanced but physically smaller than his peers. "He was playing U12s when he was actually U13 or U14," Ali told The Mirror. "But his technical ability was so good that we kept him in that age group to help his development."
Patience Pays Off
This unconventional approach clearly worked wonders. Saka's technical skills flourished without the pressure of competing against physically dominant opponents. "We wanted him to enjoy his football and develop at his own pace," Ali added. "His football intelligence was always exceptional."
Today, Saka stands as one of Premier League's most formidable wingers, proving that sometimes, slower development can lead to greater success. His story serves as inspiration for young players and coaches alike about the importance of tailored development pathways.
