Mikel Arteta Explains How Bukayo Saka Aims to Emulate Cristiano Ronaldo's Greatness

Mikel Arteta Explains How Bukayo Saka Aims to Emulate Cristiano Ronaldo's Greatness

  • Mikel Arteta believes it would be "a positive thing" if Bukayo Saka aspired to replicate Cristiano Ronaldo's remarkable career achievements
  • The England international has been in sensational form this season, contributing 18 goals and assists in as many appearances for the Gunners
  • The 23-year-old winger has found the net in each of his last three matches, showcasing his growing influence in Arteta's squad

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has shed light on how Bukayo Saka is drawing inspiration from Cristiano Ronaldo's iconic playing style during his Manchester United days.

Ronaldo, known for his electrifying pace, technical brilliance, and goal-scoring prowess, established himself as one of the most lethal wingers in the world during his first stint at United.

Mikel Arteta Explains How Bukayo Saka Aims to Emulate Cristiano Ronaldo's Greatness
Mikel Arteta has praised Cristiano Ronaldo's inspirational effect on Gunners forward Bukayo Saka. Photos: Alex Pantling/Etsuo Hara.
Source: Getty Images

His incredible tally of goals and assists played a key role in propelling the Red Devils to dominance on both domestic and European fronts.

Saka, currently one of the best players in the Premier League, is following a similar trajectory.

Read also

Italian Legend Explains What Makes Cristiano Ronaldo Better Than Lionel Messi

His dazzling displays on Arsenal's right-wing have earned him comparisons to the Portuguese legend, with his ability to influence games with goals, assists, and relentless attacking play.

Arteta urges Saka to emulate Ronaldo

Arteta highlighted Saka's ambition to reach the same level of dominance as Ronaldo. Speaking to the media, the Arsenal boss said via TNT Sports.

"You see when Cristiano started his career, when he joined Manchester United, the first few seasons, people probably didn’t expect him to be able to do that.
But it was about his mentality, his work ethic, how he developed his skill, his chemistry with his team, and to play in a team that has the capacity to be dominant is very important, so I think he has got that context, and he is aiming for that. I think it’s a positive thing.
Subscribe to watch new videos

Ronaldo's amongst the GOATs

Read also

Ranking the 5 best false 9s in the history of football

Ronaldo, who signed with Manchester United as an 18-year-old in 2003, has claimed the Ballon d'Or five times, recognising him as one of the world's greatest players in history.

The Portuguese icon is also a five-time Champions League winner and holds the record as the all-time leading scorer in Europe’s premier club competition.

Top 5 Premier League wingers this season

Earlier, YEN.com.gh ranked the top five wingers in the English top flight, with Saka competing with Mohamed Salah for the top spot.

This season, no winger has come close to matching the performance of the aforementioned duo.

Source: YEN.com.gh

Authors:
Isaac Darko avatar

Isaac Darko (Sports Editor) Isaac Darko is a Sports Editor at Yen, boasting over 10 years of experience in the media industry. He has produced award-winning TV shows such as "Football 360" and "Sports XTRA" on ViaSat 1/Kwese TV. Isaac began his career as an Assistant Producer at TV3 Ghana Limited (Media General) and also contributed as a Writer and Weekend Editor for Pulse Ghana. He earned his bachelor's degree in Communication Studies from the Ghana Institute of Journalism (now University of Media, Arts and Communication). Email: isaac.darko@sportsbrief.com.