Bukayo Saka has revealed he doesn’t like to compare himself to the world’s best winger but admits there is one legendary forward he idolised growing up.
The England international’s reputation as one of Europe’s most effective attacking players has been cemented over the last couple of years during which he has played a pivotal role in the progress Arsenal have made under Mikel Arteta.
A debate as to whether Saka is now in the world class bracket of player continues to rage but the 24-year-old told Sky Sports he pays no attention to such discussions.
He said: ‘I think comparison is the thief of joy in terms of if you start to compare yourself or put yourself up against these other players you’re never going to have any joy.
‘You are always going to think I want this or he’s done this, you’re always going to be chasing something so it’s important to be stratified with what you’ve done, constantly push yourself to your own limits because you’re different to all these other players and other wingers.
‘That’s why I don’t like to get involved in those conversations.’
It’s crunch time for Arsenal
Arsenal maintained their two point lead at the top over the weekend, but only by the skin of their teeth. With Manchester City now looking far more like their old selves, suddenly the Premier League title race is starting to take a very familiar shape.
The Gunners next six games could tell us a lot about whether they’re ready to go the distance this time given they dropped 13 points from the corresponding fixtures last season
- Everton (a) 1-1
- Brighton (h) 1-1
- Aston Villa (h) 2-2
- Bournemouth (a) 2-0
- Liverpool (h) 2-2
- Nottingham Forest (a) 0-0
Asked, however, if there was a player he used to look up to, Saka revealed Neymar during his Barcelona prime was someone he idolised.
‘I think out of all of they’ve all moved me and brought some sort of joy to their game but I have to pick Neymar.
‘Growing up he was the one I idolised the most out of all of them there’s not a clip on YouTube I haven’t seen.
‘Me and my friends when we used to do education in the academy I shouldn’t be saying this but we used to get YouTube up and watch his clips. The fun and joy he brought to the game I’ll go with Neymar.
‘I’d love the presence he has on the pitch in terms of wanting the ball in any situation just feeling so free and confident to do what he feels.
‘He’s done that to a level not many have.’