Bukayo Saka’s journey towards the top of world football is something to behold.
It seemingly knows no obstacle too large to even hit the pause button, let alone derail Saka, which is every bit as as amazing as the way he lights up Arsenal - and now England. During the past 12 months, Saka has soared onwards and upwards, taking his beloved North London club with him.
He may not have quite got them over the line in the race for Champions League qualification back in May but he was mighty close. The Ealing-born winger, who had already recovered from missing a penalty in the Euros final and the sickening racist abuse that followed in the first half of the season, was a virtual ever-present in the league throughout.
Fears of burnout surfaced. He needed a rest, apparently. Yet Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta continued to pick him and, in the main, Saka continued to perform with extraordinary consistency right through to the conclusion of 2021-22.
Many youngsters on the climb will suffer a dip after their breakthrough season. It is almost inevitable. Unless, of course, you are of a completely different class and level to the majority.
Saka, who remember turned 21 in September, seems to be just that. For his productivity, level of display and impact on the pitch have continued to grow and grow into the current campaign - with the Gunners riding high at the Premier League summit.
What makes this attacking wide player a cut above the very good? Well, he has heart, determination and a wise head that belies his years. Then there is that willingness to turn and take on what is ahead of him.
This is not a player who opts for the safe option. Saka’s ability to wriggle his way through what looks an impossible cul-de-sac is ridiculous.
You think he has nowhere to go, surrounded by two or three defenders, that at some point he must run out of space and lose possession. Next thing, he will have floated and flown past those bemused markers.
But what really gives him an edge over peers is end product. Of course, it does not happen every time that he provides a cracking pass or deadly finish.
Yet it happens an awful lot. With 148 first-team appearances on the clock by the time he jetted off to Qatar in mid-November, Saka has scored 28 goals.
And to think he is only just 21. This is what makes him truly outstanding and so exciting. His potential appears to have no limit!
Bukayo Saka is on a nine-person shortlist for the Fans' Footballer of the Year Award. Vote for him using the form above or by clicking this link.
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