Theo Walcott Makes Candid Bukayo Saka Admission Ahead of Soccer Aid
Theo Walcott, the former Arsenal and England star, has delivered a frank assessment of Bukayo Saka's current form while expressing unwavering confidence in the young winger's ability to propel the Gunners to success this season. Walcott, who is set to feature for the England XI in the 20th anniversary Soccer Aid for UNICEF match at London Stadium on May 31, believes Saka is poised to peak at the perfect moment.
Saka's Season Under Scrutiny
Walcott openly acknowledged that Saka has experienced an "indifferent season" thus far, with the 24-year-old yet to reach double figures in goals across all competitions, currently sitting on nine. This observation came after Saka was substituted during Arsenal's Champions League clash against Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday, replaced by Noni Madueke whose late intervention earned a crucial penalty.
Despite this dip, Walcott remains bullish about Saka's prospects. "I think he's been actually a little bit indifferent this year, but you can see signs of him picking up at the right time now," Walcott stated. "You'd like to think the most important players shine when it really matters but we also forget how young he still is and how much he's achieved already at this point."
He emphasized Saka's resilience, noting the off-field pressures he has handled with England duty, and praised him as a "role model on and off the field." Walcott added that Madueke's emergence has provided healthy competition, pushing Saka to elevate his game. "Saka is exceptional and I'm so pleased Arsenal have worked so hard to keep him," he said, referencing the lucrative new contract worth over £300,000 per week that Saka recently signed.
Comparing Arsenal Generations
Walcott, who netted 108 goals in 397 appearances for Arsenal, also weighed in on how Mikel Arteta's current squad measures against legendary teams of the past. While cautious about direct comparisons due to evolving football styles, he made a bold claim: "I'd say the current squad, as in the whole squad, is better than the Invincibles."
He clarified that the Invincibles' unbeaten Premier League season remains a monumental achievement, but suggested Arteta could redefine Arsenal's modern identity if he secures an unprecedented Quadruple this term. "Yes if this team wins the Quadruple, I would start looking at Arteta as 'Arsenal,' and I used to always think of Wenger as Arsenal," Walcott explained. "That's how highly I rate Mikel."
Reflecting on his own era, Walcott highlighted the competitiveness of consistently securing Champions League qualification, a feat he believes is often underappreciated in today's hyper-competitive landscape.
Soccer Aid Ambitions
Now retired since August 2023, Walcott is focusing on the upcoming Soccer Aid charity match, where he aims to help the England XI triumph over a World XI. Having scored in a 6-3 victory in 2024, he is eager to contribute to breaking the event's donation record of £121 million. Tickets for the match are currently available, with proceeds supporting UNICEF's vital work.
Walcott's comments serve as both a reality check and a rallying cry for Arsenal fans, blending honest critique with optimistic backing for Saka's pivotal role in the club's pursuit of glory.
