Bukayo Saka has been one of England's best performers at the World Cup in Qatar with fellow Premier League star Adam Lallana admitting he has "a new appreciation of his talent". The Arsenal star has scored three goals in as many games for his country which included a delightful finish against Senegal in the last-16.
After Jordan Henderson and Harry Kane had put England in control, Saka sealed the win in style delicately lofting the ball over Edouard Mendy from Phil Foden's pass. Following the performances and goals from Marcus Rashford and Foden, the 21-year-old was tipped by many to miss out on the Three Lions first knockout game, however Gareth Southgate opted to bring him back into the starting XI.
Ultimately his decision was rectified with Saka joining Rashford on three tournament goals following his brace in the group stage win against Iran. Saka now also looks likely to start in the quarter-final fixture against France with Southgate opting for an unchanged team.
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Although his contribution is better-placed in forward areas, Saka may have to come back and help right back Kyle Walker with the challenge that Kylian Mbappe will undoubtedly pose.
The Gunners frontman has been lauded with praise since the start of the season, firstly for his performances in the Premier League and now for his displays in Qatar, with Brighton's Lallana revealing the one quality he has been most impressed with.
Writing for The Times, Lallana said: "I have played against (him), but the view I have had over the past few weeks has given me a new appreciation of his talent.
“But, what sticks out is that in the decisive moments, he exudes calm. When you are in the final third, the ball comes to you and you are going to shoot, there can be an element of panic. With Saka, it looks like time stands still for him.
“The dinked goal he scored against Senegal from Phil Foden’s pass is evidence of that, but there are other scenarios where his composure and coolness is on point.
“When he comes deep to receive the ball, he is not hurried, he doesn’t normally take a heavy touch or run into traffic. He will get his arm up, feel where the defender is and take a touch. He must be so strong because he never gets pushed off the ball. Then he releases it when the time is right. I don’t understand how he is like that at 21.”
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