Bukayo Saka has opened up about a challenging season for Arsenal and remains optimistic that Mikel Arteta‘s team will bounce back stronger in the upcoming Premier League season that starts in August. Sidelined for three months due to injury during a trophyless season for the Gunners, Saka admits his frustration. However, he firmly believes that such trials and tribulations will only serve to strengthen him and his fellow team-mates.
Reflecting on the past year, Saka said: “It’s been a bit of a frustrating year with injuries. We all know there’s a lot of speculation around us (Arsenal) and who we’re signing this summer. But once that’s all done at the end of the summer, the relationships we need to work on, we’ll work on at the training ground, at the Emirates and wherever we’re playing. We will be stronger. I have no doubts.”
The 23-year-old added: “Each year I’ve developed and improved. I’ve still got a bit of a way to go as well. I need to keep on working hard and with all the games I’m playing, all the experiences with the tournaments, it’s only going to make me better from learning from it.”
Saka is set to represent England against Senegal at the City Ground, where he will likely share the pitch with his Arsenal team-mates Declan Rice and Myles Lewis-Skelly. Speaking highly of Lewis-Skelly, Saka said: “I can only say positives about Myles.
“He’s a top talent, with a good mentality, lots of confidence and that’s why he can come here (to the England camp) and play the way he does. Big credit to him, I hope he ke He continues to progress and improve. It’s thrilling to anticipate what his future holds.”
This Thursday, another Arsenal youngster, Ethan Nwaneri, will be a crucial player as the England under-21 team begin their Euro title defence in Slovakia. “Ethan is an exceptional talent and I’m certainly excited to see him excel this summer,” Saka expressed. “I wish him all the best. He knows I’m here if he needs me.”
Saka, who has twice been named England’s player of the year, was not part of the hard-fought victory over Andorra in Barcelona but is keen to once again demonstrate his capabilities for his country. He added: “I love coming to England camps and playing for England.
“After the last game of the (club) season, I had a minor strain, so credit to England – they managed me quite well during the week. I was only able to participate in one or two sessions before the match so the manager decided to rest me and have me involved (against Senegal).”
England’s performance against Andorra attracted some harsh criticism, but Saka remains confident that they are still on track to make a significant impact at the World Cup finals next summer.
He continued: “I believe we have more than enough world-class players, talents, experienced players. I think we have the right balance in this team. It’s about maximising all of our potential, getting us to blend in the right way and carrying that momentum into the World Cup next year.”
Content Source: www.express.co.uk