By Elias Nnamdi
Bukayo Saka continues to redefine the standards for young footballers in the Premier League. Six years after his Arsenal debut, the 23-year-old is not only a central figure for the Gunners but also a strong contender to break multiple all-time league records. His role in Arsenal fight for a major title under Mikel Arteta has solidified his place as one of the league’s most impactful players.
Saka’s ability to both score and create goals has been nothing short of extraordinary. Since Arteta’s appointment in December 2019, Saka ranks in the Premier League’s top five players for total chances created (319) and open-play assists (248). Additionally, he has 93 goal involvements during this period, placing him among the league’s elite attackers.
This season, with Arsenal facing challenges, including the absence of Martin Ødegaard earlier in the campaign, Saka has shouldered more responsibility than ever. His involvement in 40.4% of Arsenal’s shots (either scoring or assisting) underscores his vital role. This statistic trails only Wolverhampton’s Matheus Cunha and Chelsea’s Cole Palmer, who lead in team shot involvement percentages.
Insight on Saka Consistency in Goal Contributions
Saka’s knack for goal contributions sets him apart. As of Arsenal’s Matchweek 12 win over Nottingham Forest, Saka is only six goal involvements away from reaching 100 in the Premier League. Achieving this milestone would make him the fourth-youngest player in league history to do so, surpassing the likes of Cesc Fà bregas and Cristiano Ronaldo.
In his best season so far (2022/23), Saka scored 16 league goals and created 113 chances, reflecting his dual-threat ability. These performances have solidified his status as one of Arsenal’s key players, capable of influencing matches both as a scorer and creator. His creativity is unparalleled; since the start of the 2023/24 season, Saka leads the league in Expected Assists (xA) per 90 minutes at 0.34 among players with 2,000+ minutes played.
One of Saka’s defining attributes is his attacking versatility. In sequences that end with a shot, 71.2% involve Saka either creating the chance or taking the shot himself. Additionally, he has proven deadly in one-on-one situations, with 469 attacking 1v1s in the Premier League since 2023/24.
Fitness Could Play Vital Role on Starman Future
Saka’s ability to stay fit and consistent has been pivotal. Since the start of the 2021/22 season, he has made 122 Premier League appearances, missing just four matches. This durability has allowed him to accumulate over 10,000 league minutes, a remarkable feat for someone so young.
Saka could be challenging Gareth Barry all-time Premier League appearance record of 653 matches. By age 23, Saka had already made 181 Premier League appearances, outpacing most of the league’s greats at the same age.
Arsenal’s reliance on Saka highlights his influence as both a leader and a playmaker. His record-breaking potential is evident in his consistent contributions to Arsenal’s attacking play and his ability to thrive under pressure. As he continues to grow, Saka is undoubtedly on course to cement his legacy as one of the Premier League’s all-time greats.
