Bukayo Saka has silenced critics after his magnificent performance against Germany for England on Monday evening. The youngster came on as a substitute at the 70-minute mark, and his cameo changed the game in what was a high-scoring 3-3 draw.
The youngster had been criticised by the media and more ruthlessly by Italian outlets, following England’s disappointing 1-0 defeat at the hands of Azzurri on Friday evening.
However, he atoned for his poor performance in Milan against Germany. He played in his natural position and was integral to all three of England’s goals as they came back from two goals down.
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Saka was the most disappointing player on the pitch against Italy on Friday according to Gazzetta, who handed him a 4.5/10 rating, less than any other English or Italian star. Journalist Fabio Licari wrote: “One would want to tell him: ‘No worries Saka, Chiellini is no longer here’. He was still shocked, a phantom on the left flank and Southgate made it worse by keeping him on the pitch for 72 minutes.”
Licari was alluding to Chiellini's late tactical foul during the Euro 2020 final between England and Italy. As Saka stormed through on goal, the Italian defender pulled on the Arsenal star's shirt around his neck, almost strangling him in the process. England fans expected a red card, but only a yellow was shown at the time which created a lot of unrest.
Despite Saka eventually missing the crucial penalty, before England’s defeat to Italy on Friday evening, the youngster was awarded with England Men's Player of the Year award for the first time. It came after a stellar season for his club and country.
He was presented the award by a group of young local grassroots players. The England star had no idea that it was to be awarded to him, and in his grateful shock, he smiled and humbly said: "No way. I did not expect this honestly, so yeah, I'm honoured. It's really nice."
The 20-year-old’s disappointing performance against Italy can be excused as he was tasked with playing in the left-wing back position, even though he has played on the right-hand side week in, week out under Mikel Arteta for the past year-and-a-half.
Finally, against Germany, Southgate opted to play the youngster in his preferred right-wing role and the 20-year-old showed why he was right to be voted as England’s best men’s player of the year for the previous season.
Saka’s exploits in the last campaign saw him involved in 23 goals which made him the third most productive English player in the Premier League. This should have been enough for Southgate to use him in his natural position, but his wonderful cameo on Monday evening put emphasis on this matter. The critics could not repeat their opinions on Saka after last night’s performance.
With Phil Foden having an underwhelming performance against Germany on the right-hand side, and Mason Mount also showing a similar poor display against Italy in the same position, Saka has made a statement with his impactful exploits against Germany, which should put him in pole position to start England's World Cup opener against Iran in his preferred area of the pitch.
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