“I know he’s having a fantastic season already but I’m still worried about him because….”- Arsenal Legend Ian Wright voices SERIOUS concern over Arsenal star Bukayo Saka.
“I know he’s having a fantastic season already but I’m still worried about him because….”- Arsenal Legend Ian Wright voices SERIOUS concern over Arsenal star Bukayo Saka.
Ian Wright voices concern over Arsenal star Bukayo Saka
Arsenal legend Ian Wright has given huge praise to Bukayo Saka for his performances this season, but he also voices concern about the player
Arsenal icon Ian Wright has lavished praise on Bukayo Saka for his remarkable start to the season but expressed concern over the young winger’s intense workload. Saka, 23, has been in electrifying form, contributing two goals and seven assists, with Arsenal currently sitting third in the Premier League standings.
Saka’s latest standout performance came in Arsenal’s 3-1 comeback win over Southampton, where he scored and assisted both Kai Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli. His contributions have earned him the title of top assist-maker across Europe’s top five leagues. Additionally, he found the back of the net during Arsenal’s 2-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, further highlighting his impact ahead of the upcoming international break with England.
While Wright continues to be impressed by Saka’s performances, he admits he is “worried” about the sheer number of games the young forward is playing. “He’s constantly being compared to other players, but his consistency has been amazing since he joined the team,” Wright said on Optus Sport’s The Kelly & Wrighty Show.
Saka’s relentless form has spurred debates about his status as a “world-class” player. Although former players like Ally McCoist have dismissed such claims, Wright remains unfazed by the comparisons. “I’m not fussed about that. From the moment he’s been in the team, he’s delivered top performances,” Wright stated. “He’s only 23 and does everything from creating chances to his defensive work.”
Despite Saka’s brilliance, Wright’s primary concern is the toll the packed schedule may take on his body. “One thing we all worry about at Arsenal is the amount of games he plays, and hopefully, he doesn’t break down,” Wright added. “But he’s still doing everything expected of him, and maybe that’s why his contributions are sometimes underrated.”
Looking ahead, Wright hopes Saka will continue his upward trajectory, helping Arsenal win major honours. “What’s next for him is to finish the season strongly, win titles for Arsenal, win the Champions League, and win medals for England,” Wright emphasised. He also noted how Saka’s signature move—cutting inside to curl the ball into the net—has become a defining trait that opponents have struggled to defend against.
Wright also addressed the ongoing debate over Saka’s “world-class” status, criticising it as a “clickbait” conversation. “People throw around the term ‘world-class’ too loosely. It’s annoying when you hear, ‘He’s not world-class.’ You see world-class players at the World Cup—Zidane, Kaka—but the way people use the term now is frustrating.”
Arsenal’s gritty win over Southampton highlighted the importance of resilience in the Premier League title race. Wright believes Arsenal must continue to dig deep if they are to keep pace with rivals Manchester City and Liverpool. Reflecting on last season’s title push, Wright said, “They played so well last season but didn’t finish it off. This time, they know exactly what it takes, and they’re not giving away anything.”
