Football, or soccer as it is known in some parts of the world, is a sport that captures the hearts and minds of millions of people globally. It is a game that evokes passion, loyalty, and determination, both on and off the field. Every country has their own set of star players, but every now and then, a new talent emerges that stands out from the rest. In English football, one such player who has taken the world by storm is none other than Bukayo Saka.
At just 19 years old, Saka has already made a name for himself in the Premier League and for his national team, England. He has caught the attention of fans, coaches, and experts alike with his incredible skills, versatility, and maturity on the field. In this article, we will delve into the life and career of Bukayo Saka, his journey to becoming a rising star, and what the future holds for this young phenom.
Early Life and Beginnings of a Football Career
Bukayo Saka was born on September 5th, 2001, in Ealing, London, to Nigerian parents. Growing up in a working-class household, Saka had a humble upbringing but was always surrounded by a supportive family. Football was a part of his life from a very young age, and he credits his parents for instilling a love for the game in him. In an interview with Arsenal.com, Saka mentions, “My mum would always tell me stories about how much I loved playing football when I was younger.”
Saka’s first club was Greenford Celtic, where he started playing at the age of seven. As he progressed through the ranks, he caught the eye of several scouts and was soon recruited by Arsenal’s youth academy at the age of eight. He quickly made a name for himself, showcasing his skills and determination on the field. Saka’s talent was evident from a young age, and he was soon promoted to the U-18 team at just 15 years old.
Saka began his football journey at the age of seven with Greenford Celtic, his first club
Journey through Arsenal’s Youth Academy
At Arsenal’s youth academy, Saka continued to impress with his performances, and it wasn’t long until he caught the attention of then-Arsenal manager, Unai Emery. In November 2018, Saka signed his first professional contract with the club, and in less than a year, he made his first-team debut at just 17 years old. Saka’s first appearance for Arsenal’s senior team was in the Europa League against Vorskla Poltava, where he came on as a substitute and even managed to score a goal.
Saka’s journey through Arsenal’s youth academy was nothing short of remarkable. He displayed immense versatility, playing in various positions such as left-back, left-wing, and right-wing. His impressive performances led him to be named the U-23 team’s captain at just 17 years old, making him the youngest player ever to captain an Arsenal team.
Breaking into the Arsenal First Team
As Saka continued to impress with his performances for the U-23 team, he was soon handed his Premier League debut in January 2020 by then-manager, Mikel Arteta. He came on as a substitute against Chelsea, and even though Arsenal lost the game, Saka’s performance was a silver lining. He started to feature more regularly for the first team, and his versatility in different positions proved to be a valuable asset for the struggling Gunners.
In July 2020, Saka signed a long-term contract with Arsenal, committing his future to the club. This contract served as a testament to the young player’s potential and the faith that the club had in him. In the 2020/21 season, Saka continued to make strides in his career and was an integral part of Arsenal’s first team. He finished the season with 7 goals and 10 assists across all competitions, earning himself a nomination for PFA Young Player of the Year.
Versatility and Adapting to Different Positions
One of Bukayo Saka’s biggest strengths is his versatility. At such a young age, he has already played in multiple positions for both club and country. His primary position is left-wing, but Saka has also played as a left-back, right-back, and even as a central attacking midfielder. This flexibility makes him an invaluable asset for any team, and he has proven to excel in each role he is given.
Saka as a Left-Back
Saka’s natural position is left-back, and it is where he played most of his youth career at Arsenal. However, due to the lack of experienced players in that position, he was called upon many times to fill that role for the senior team. Despite not being his preferred position, Saka excelled in the role and proved to be a reliable defender, with his pace, quick feet, and crossing ability making him a threat going forward.
In the 2020/21 season, Saka was deployed as a left-back in several games, and he rose to the occasion every time. In a game against Manchester City, where Arsenal were without their regular left-backs, Saka put in a Man of the Match performance, helping his team secure a crucial victory. His performances in this position caught the eye of England manager, Gareth Southgate, who called him up for the national team as a left-back.
Saka as a Winger
Saka’s preferred position is on the left-wing, where he can utilize his speed, dribbling abilities, and creativity to cause problems for opposing defenders. He has shown great composure and maturity when playing on the wing, making smart decisions, and providing key passes and crosses for his teammates. Saka has already garnered comparisons to Arsenal legend, Thierry Henry, with many experts believing that he has the potential to reach that level in the future.
In the 2020/21 season, Saka was deployed as a left-winger for most of the games for Arsenal, and he proved to be one of their most dangerous players going forward. He finished the season as Arsenal’s second-highest scorer and provided the most assists across all competitions. His performances on the wing caught the attention of England manager, Gareth Southgate, who gave him his first England cap as a winger.
Adapting to Different Positions for the National Team
Saka has shown great adaptability not just for his club but also for his national team, England. In his short career with the Three Lions, he has already played in three different positions; left-back, left-wing, and right-wing. Despite being primarily, a left-sided player, Saka has shown that he can play on either flank with ease, showcasing his versatility and tactical awareness.
In his first appearance for England against Wales, Saka played on the left-wing and provided an assist for Calvert-Lewin’s goal. In his second game, against Belgium, he played as a right-wing-back, helping his team secure a crucial clean sheet against the number one ranked team in the world. Most recently, in England’s final group stage game against Czech Republic, Saka played as a left-wingback, and his impressive performance earned him the Man of the Match award.
During his brief tenure with the Three Lions, he has already showcased his versatility by playing in three distinct positions: left-back, left-wing, and right-wing
Impact on and off the Field
At the young age of 19, Bukayo Saka has made a massive impact on the football world. His skills and versatility on the field have caught the eye of fans, coaches, and experts alike, earning him praise from some of the biggest names in the sport. However, it’s not just his footballing abilities that make him stand out; Saka has also made a significant impact off the field.
Charity Work and Community Involvement
Saka is known to be involved in various charity initiatives and community work. He has been a part of numerous campaigns encouraging children to stay active and pursue their dreams, regardless of their backgrounds. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Saka donated thousands of pounds to local charities, helping those affected by the crisis. He has also been involved with the Arsenal Foundation, which supports various projects globally, including education, health, and social inclusion.
Saka’s involvement in charity work and giving back to the community earned him a nomination for the PFA Community Champion award in 2020. Even at such a young age, he understands the importance of using his platform and privilege to help those in need, and he continues to make a positive impact in society.
Role Model for Young Players
With his impressive performances on the field and his humble nature off of it, Bukayo Saka has become a role model for many young players. He represents the value of hard work, dedication, and perseverance, and his journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring footballers all over the world. Saka is a testament to the fact that with talent, passion, and determination, anything is possible, and his achievements at such a young age are a testament to that.
Future Prospects
Bukayo Saka’s rise to stardom has been nothing short of remarkable, and it is just the beginning for this young prodigy. He has already achieved so much in his short career, and there is no doubt that there is more to come. With his versatility, maturity, and exceptional skills, Saka has cemented his place in Arsenal’s first team and has become a regular for England as well.
Thanks to his versatility, maturity, and exceptional skills, Saka has solidified his position in Arsenal’s starting lineup and has also become a consistent presence for the England national team
Potential to Become One of the Best in the World
Saka’s talent is undeniable, and many experts believe that he has the potential to reach the highest levels in football. His versatility, speed, dribbling abilities, and creativity make him a nightmare for opposing defenders, and with each passing game, he continues to improve. With hard work and determination, there’s no telling what heights Saka can reach in his career.
During Arsenal’s 2020/21 season, former Arsenal player, and now-pundit, Thierry Henry said, “Bukayo Saka can become one of the best players in the world.” These words from one of Arsenal’s greatest ever players are a testament to the potential and talent that Saka possesses.
Euro 2020: A Platform to Shine
In June 2021, Bukayo Saka was selected as part of England’s squad for the European Championships, and it was a proud moment for the young player. He made three appearances in the group stage, starting one game and coming on as a substitute in the other two. Despite being just 19 years old, Saka showed great composure and maturity on the biggest stage in European football.
England’s manager, Gareth Southgate, has shown immense trust in Saka, giving him significant minutes at the tournament, which speaks volumes about his potential and the impact he can have on the team. With the semi-final against Denmark approaching, all eyes will be on Saka to see if he can help his country reach the final and potentially win their first major trophy since 1966.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Bukayo Saka’s journey from Greenford Celtic’s youth academy to becoming one of the most exciting talents in English football is nothing short of inspiring. At just 19 years old, he has achieved more than many players do in their entire careers, and there is no doubt that there is more to come. With his versatility, maturity, and incredible skills on the field, Saka has become a valuable asset for both Arsenal and England, and he has the potential to become one of the best players in the world.
Off the field, Saka’s involvement in charity work and being a role model for young players is a testament to his character and shows that he is more than just a footballer. As he continues to make strides in his career, all eyes will be on Bukayo Saka to see what he will achieve next, and one thing is for sure, this rising star has a bright future ahead of him.
