Bukayo Saka has taken his game to new heights this season helping Arsenal reach the top of the Premier League table. Four goals and six assists from 14 league games has seen Saka become a crucial part of Mikel Arteta's attack, with his performances earning him a spot in Gareth Southgate's chosen starting XI for their World Cup opener against Iran.
The 21-year-old put in a superb performance netting a brace as England rode out 6-2 winners, but a disappointing display against the USA saw him lose his place against Wales. The displays of Marcus Rashford and Phil Foden threw a spot in the Three Lions attack against Senegal in the last-16 into doubt, but Saka was included in the starting XI along with Foden.
With many surprised Rashford lost his place in the team after scoring twice against Wales, the pressure was high on Saka to deliver and he certainly did. After England stormed into a two-goal lead, Saka sealed the victory by delicately lofting an effort over Edouard Mendy from a Foden pass.
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The Arsenal forward delivered his best performance of the tournament against France in the quarter-finals, terrorising Theo Hernandez on numerous occasions. Saka also won a penalty after being felled by Aurelien Tchouameni with Harry Kane equalising from 12 yards.
The Real Madrid midfielder's illegal challenge on Saka wasn't the only time he was brought to the floor as the Hale End graduate was the most-fouled player in the game and it should have been far more with referee Wilton Sampaio coming under significant fire for ignoring what seemed to be clear fouls.
With England exiting the tournament at the hands of the defending world champions, Saka's attention is now back on Arsenal in their bid to win the Premier League. Arteta's men sit top of the table, clear of Manchester City by five points with 22 games still left to play.
Saka will undoubtedly play an important role in the remaining months of the season but former Arsenal and Man Utd defender Mikael Silvestre believes he has to add one particular attribute to his game.
Speaking to bettingexpert, Silvestre said: "Maybe Bukayo Saka is a bit too nice. He needs to be a bit more aggressive.
"He is extremely nice so he needs more aggressiveness in his game. He has improved in that sense and it can be very tricky sometimes. Other than that I really don’t think he needs to improve on that many aspects.
"He has done really well for Arsenal and he is still a very young player. If he can get a bit more streetwise, I think he is there.”
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