Emery hails Arsenal teen Saka for showing ‘big personality’ News

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Emery hails Arsenal teen Saka for showing ‘big personality’

By Daily Sports on December 15, 2018

Arsenal coach Unai Emery hailed 17-year-old Bukayo Saka for playing “with a very big personality” on his full debut for the Gunners in Thursday’s 1-0 win over Qarabag in the Europa League.

Born in England, Saka is of Nigerian descent. Saka has represented England at under-16, under-17, under-18 and under-19 level.

Saka made his first start for the Gunners on the left wing showed plenty of confidence as he tested goalkeeper Vagner with an early strike from the edge of the box and tried to take on defenders with an exciting blend of pace and skill.

He probably should have capped his performance with a goal as well when he had a gilt-edged chance to double Arsenal’s lead but fired almost straight at the goalkeeper.

Saka is the latest youngster to impress Emery during this Europa League group stage, which has also seen good performances by fellow teenagers Eddie Nketiah, Emile Smith Rowe and Joe Willock.

“They show us in every match positive things. And today Saka also, he played with a good performance with a very big personality,” Emery said. “We were speaking at half-time, they were trying one-on-ones against the opposition.

“Not every action was good for us, but his personality is very important to continue in the second half trying to do one-on-ones and break lines with his quality. He played with a very big personality for the 90 minutes, and with sometimes a good performance. And for him it’s very important for his confidence.”

Alexandre Lacazette scored the winning goal for Arsenal in a game that was otherwise mostly noteworthy for captain Laurent Koscielny making his return after seven months out with an Achilles injury. (ESPN)

•Photo shows Bukayo Saka

Source Daily Sports

Posted December 15, 2018