Ashley Cole has warned Arsenal that Bukayo Saka will never reach the levels of a ‘top, top player’ if he is continually ‘used and abused’ in a range of different positions.
Saka endured an off-night at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday in a right wing-back role and Cole, while full of praise for the ‘fearless’ teenager, is wary of the downside too much adaptability brings.
Arsenal went on to win the game thanks to an error by Jorginho gifting Emile Smith Rowe a tap-in but Saka’s below-par display is an issue for boss Mikel Arteta.
Arteta praised Arsenal’s Emile Smith Rowe and Willian for their goals in the win against West Brom.
Saka has spent most of this season swapping between left and right wing; he has been used centrally and even had a cameo at right back.
‘I think he’s a shining light in this Arsenal team,’ Cole said on Sky Sports. ‘He plays with courage, he’s fearless at times.
‘But I just feel when you don’t cement down one position, it’s very, very difficult to nail that trade down to become a top, top player.
‘As a manager you love it, because he’s adaptable, he can play in three or four positions, which is brilliant. But I just feel for him at times, because he’s kind of used and abused.’
In this woeful Arsenal season, the 19-year-old has been a rare spark of light. And as the campaign limps towards its anti-climax, Saka is one of few Arsenal players with more than pride on the line.
UEFA’s decision to allow 26-man squads this summer may have jarred with Gareth Southgate – the England boss has been open about his concerns over maintaining harmony within a bloated group.
For players like Saka, though, it wedged open a door left ajar for several months. Shame, then, that at Chelsea on Wednesday night – one of few remaining auditions – the 19-year-old was shifted to right wing-back.
It wasn’t a gamble that did his chances any good, even if Arsenal kept their own European ambitions hanging by a thread. Southgate will name his squad on May 25. For those teetering on the fringes, chances to make their case are running low.
read also:Osaka frustrated at clay court ‘mental block’
And unfortunately for Saka this also represented another venture into pastures new. He has spent most of this season swapping between left and right-wing; he has been used centrally and even had a cameo at right back.
In the recent win over West Brom Saka excelled at left back; at Stamford Bridge came his first taste of right-wing-back. It is a testament to his tactical intelligence and positional awareness that Saka has slotted in so seamlessly across the pitch.
That versatility could also prove his biggest weapon come decision time for Southgate. But England are already stacked with young, dangerous right-backs and Wednesday night did little to suggest Saka will trouble the top of the pecking order.
Instead, Arteta’s switch to a 3-4-3 robbed them of much of Saka’s attacking brilliance – before being hooked on 65 minutes, he had just 28 touches (only two players had fewer).
It also exposed the defensive shortcomings of a kid having to plug different holes every week. Early on Mason Mount raced beyond Saka before his cross was blocked and the 19-year-old soon needed help once more after a problem of his own making.
Ben Chilwell played a one-two on the edge of the box, Saka tracked his run and tried to usher the ball out of play. Instead, he was robbed and almost cost Arsenal their lead.
Gunners fans will allow him a quiet night after such a fine campaign. But with time running out – and such fierce competition for places – will Southgate be so forgiving?
