Harry Diamond
Ian Wright has offered his opinion on Bukayo Saka’s best position amid comparisons between the Arsenal youngster and Ashley Cole.
Saka has been one of the biggest positives in an otherwise disappointing campaign for the north London side, establishing himself as one of the most exciting young talents in the Premier League with a series of impressive performances.
The teenager rose through the academy ranks as a winger but has enjoyed his first prolonged period in the first-team at left-back, scoring three goals and providing a further eight assists in all competitions to prompt talks of a call-up to the senior England side.
Comparisons have been made between Saka and former Arsenal star Cole, the latter having also began his career in a more advanced role before becoming one of the world’s best at full-back for club and country.
Despite Saka’s impressive season, however, Wright believes the 18-year-old’s long-term future remains further forward and says Saka’s attacking threat makes him better suited to a position on the wing.
“For me he’s a better winger,” Wright told DAZN.
“It’s just because of his ability and how good he is that he can play that position. Ashley turned out to be one of the best full-backs in the world but this guy is better further forward.”
Saka is yet to put pen-to-paper on a new deal at the Emirates, and Wright believes that he is right to do so after a fine breakthrough campaign.
“He’s right him and his representatives to hold out as best they can because he’s the future of the club,” he added.
“They cannot afford to let a player like this leave, When you look at what Callum Hudson-Odoi has done and he’s a year younger. The contract he signed, Saka’s representatives will be saying: ‘Why should I sign for any less?’
“I believe he will sign but I do think him and his reps are doing the right thing by dragging it out to get the best deal they can. Arsenal is the right place for him at the moment.”
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