Thierry Henry shares honest doubts about Bukayo Saka at Arsenal

Arsenal academy product Bukayo Saka has become as one of the Premier League’s top widemen in recent seasons, but Gunners veteran Thierry Henry did not see it going that way at first.

Arsenal star Thierry Henry admits he has been taken aback by how brilliant Bukayo Saka has become.

The Hale End academy graduate is now an important component of Arsenal’s first squad, having risen through the club’s junior system. He joined Arsenal at the age of seven and made his debut in 2018.

Saka currently has almost 230 first-team games and 60 goals to his name, as well as an FA Cup win and England international status. However, Henry has stated that he did not expect Saka to be as productive as he is for the Gunners.

Speaking to CBS Sports, the Frenchman stated, “I saw him at the school and I didn’t believe he would be that talented, to be honest with you. But when you work, you have that work ethic, and you have a nice family to support you, because I know the family, and he is intelligent and works hard.

“I witnessed a player accomplish his level, because he is currently at a level that is difficult to achieve. If I’m being honest, he’s been there for over three years.

And Henry has revealed why he believes Saka has had such success: his selflessness and determination. Henry added: “At the European Championship (with England), they asked him to play wing-back, and he does.

“He protects his right-back, goes wide, left, and behind, and he does it all without complaint. He participates in every single game.

“He competed in the Carabao Cup and immediately after the World Cup in the first round of the FA Cup. It will be a dream for a full-back to have a man like him in front of them, defending like that and going on the counter; he makes everyone’s job simpler.”

Saka, 23, had his greatest season in front of goal last season, scoring 20 goals in all competitions for Arsenal and adding 14 assists. The England winger has had an outstanding start to the current season, with two goals and five assists to his name.

He most recently scored in Arsenal’s momentous Champions League victory against PSG. Saka will be aiming to continue his good form this weekend as Mikel Arteta’s team faces struggling Southampton at the Emirates Stadium.

Ahead of the game, he stated that he feels it is finally Arsenal’s time to win the Premier League. He stated: “I don’t want to put too much pressure on us, but I believe this is the year.

“We’ve been close for two years and are getting closer, but perhaps this is the year. I am quite hungry. We’ve finished runners-up in prior years, but I’m determined to win this season, and I have a lot of faith in myself.”