Bukayo Saka was “of a different class” and Slavia Prague “couldn’t stop him” in Arsenal’s impressive victory in the Europa League, says Martin Keown … while the Gunners legend talks about the possibilities of Europe 2020 of the “only” star with England after a brilliant goal
Martin Keown hailed Bukayo Saka as a “different class” and said the Arsenal winger was playable against Slavia Prague on Thursday night as Mikel Arteta’s side reached the Europa League semi-finals.
Saka found the net in a blatant 4-0 display when a ruthless first half showed a safe step assured of preparing for a stunning semi-final against Villarreal, managed by former Arsenal boss Unai Emery.
For Keown, Saka was one of the best of the night and considered his performance to be the sign of a player “determined” to impress having lost last season’s FA Cup final.
Bukayo Saka was described as a “different class” for his performance against Slavia Prague
Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown has ruled that the Czech Republic could not stop Saka
The 19-year-old was an unused substitute in Chelsea’s 2-1 win at Chelsea at Wembley and Keown believes personal disappointment has served him well at Arsenal to make him want to be a constant starter in this European career.
“This youngster didn’t play in the FA Cup final last year and has a point to prove,” Keown said BT Sport.
“That must have hurt him.” He probably deserved to continue in this game, but maybe it was a blessing. He is determined and his contribution tonight was different.
The 19-year-old was a threat on the right and is motivated to lead Arsenal to the final
So high was Keown at Saka’s recent performances that he spoke of the potential for the teenager to win a place in Gareth Southgate’s English national team for the European Championships this summer.
So far he has won four senior Three Lions goals and will believe a strong end to the season could earn him one of 23 places available for Southgate.
For Keown, Saka’s ability to cover multiple positions makes it a strong case to be included.
“Its versatility is a must,” he added. “They can’t stop (Saka), it’s too good. It was resounding how he put it on the net (for his goal).
“He can play as number 10, as a left winger, as I keep suggesting and on the right. He’s really a great talent, why wouldn’t Gareth Southgate look at him? He’s pretty unique in terms of his skills.”
His goal ended with a good display and Keown believes he is on the radar of England for Euro 2020
Speaking after the victory, which saw captain Alexandre Lacazette win twice, Saka added:It was fantastic from start to finish. I say thank God I’m in the semi-finals and I have a chance to play a semi-final at Arsenal.
‘We showed a real character because we got the first (goal), it took quite a while to be disallowed and I felt it was just a fraction of offside for Emile (Smith Rowe), which is bad luck.
‘We were very strong in the first half and we almost killed the game in the first half.
“I feel like in the first leg we played well, but we weren’t clinicians, but a recognition for the manager and the coaching staff. The way they set us up, they couldn’t get out, they couldn’t” stop us and we did very well in that department. ”
