The teen wonder showed his undisputed quality again in his favourite competition to earn special praise from his manager.
Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta, has hailed the ‘gift’ that Bukayo Saka has aplenty after the youngster notched his ninth assist of the season to help the Gunners secure a narrow 1-0 win at Olympiacos.
Saka has been one of the breakout stars of the Europa League with the Nigerian-born, England youth international producing two goals and four assists in just four group stage matches.
The 18-year-old came to limelight as a flying winger, but he has had to adapt to his new role as a left-back.
Just days ago, Saka picked up the man-of-the-match award for his excellent display in the 4-0 thrashing of Newcastle. He notched his second Premier League assist in that encounter.
It was the youngster, once more, who came to Arsenal’s rescue in Greece as their Europa League first leg, Round of 32 match seemingly headed for a stalemate.
Saka supplied the perfect assist for Alexander Lacazette’s winner with ten minutes of play remaining.
Speaking to Arsenal’s official website after the game, Mikel Arteta couldn’t hide his delight for Saka’s application, humility, and willingness to learn.
“I’m really pleased with the way he’s developed. And I’m really pleased with the way he’s handling these situations because there’s a lot of highlight on him at the moment, but he’s still really humble. He’s still as keen to meet with my assistant, willing to improve,” Arteta said.
“He’s a great kid, and he makes big decisions in the final third. He’s not someone who hides. He’s got the vision and the ability to execute when the spaces are really tight. That’s a gift.”
Saka has made 25 appearances in all competitions for the Gunners and looks set to add to that when Arteta’s men file out against Alex Iwobi’s Everton on Sunday.