Talking Tactics

Saka thriving as Arsenal's attacking full-back

By Adrian Clarke 21 Feb 2020
Bukayo Saka, Arsenal

No Gunners player has set up more goals in 2019/20 than the 18-year-old, who Adrian Clarke says can hurt Everton

Related Articles
Team news: Torreira, Bellerin, Sokratis, Ozil External Link
Saka - How left back will improve me as a winger External Link

Adrian Clarke looks at key tactical points ahead of Matchweek 27.

close

TV Info - Broadcasters

Bukayo Saka is one of the brightest young talents to emerge in the Premier League this season.

The winger has made 16 top-flight appearances in a breakthrough campaign, with many of his 11 starts coming as an emergency left-back.

At just 18 years of age Saka has adjusted to a new position spectacularly.

Performing with confidence in and out of possession, Saka was superb during Arsenal’s 4-0 home win over Newcastle United on Sunday.

The goal he made for Nicolas Pepe, with a nutmeg followed by a precise pass, was his eighth assist in all competitions this season.

Having also set up Alexandre Lacazette's winning goal in the UEFA Europa League at Olympiacos on Thursday, no Arsenal player has created more goals than Saka in 2019/20.

Saka's best bits against Newcastle 

On paper Arsenal play in a straightforward 4-2-3-1 formation under Mikel Arteta. But the shape of the side changes quite dramatically when they have the ball.

Central midfielder Granit Xhaka regularly moves to left-back, which allows Saka to push forward into an orthodox winger’s position and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to shift inside as a second striker.

It is a fluid set-up that enables Saka and Aubameyang to play in the areas that suit them best.

Saka, who only turned 18 in September, is at his best inside the opposition half.

He possesses a good turn of speed, has the tricks to go past opponents and loves to deliver left-footed crosses into the box.

The stats show he is developing into one of the most attack-minded Premier League full-backs, averaging 4.5 crosses per 90 minutes.

Most open-play crosses
Full-back Club Mins* Crosses/90**
Trent Alexander-Arnold LIV 797 6.1
Benjamin Mendy MCI 360 5.8
Reece James CHE 435 5.0
Charlie Taylor BUR 720 4.6
Lucas Digne EVE 625 4.6
Bukayo Saka ARS 516 4.5
Andrew Robertson LIV 808 4.2

*Minimum 300 minutes: **Since 26 December

Despite playing out of position, Saka’s influence is rising.

And that growth has been especially evident in his appearances at Emirates Stadium under Arteta.

During the 2-1 loss against Chelsea in late December the teenager was understandably quiet. He did not have a single touch inside the Blues’ penalty area.

But in January’s 1-1 home draw with Sheffield United he made three touches inside the box, and against Newcastle that figure jumped again to five.

He also made six successful dribbles in Sunday's triumph.

Touches in opp. box per match
Full-back Club Mins Ave. touches*
Cesar Azpilicueta CHE 720 4.5
Sam Byram NOR 567 3.2
Brandon Williams MUN 413 2.8
Bukayo Saka ARS 516 2.6
Enda Stevens SHU 720 2.5
Ricardo Pereira LEI 630 2.4

*Since 26 December

Saka is growing in confidence and this weekend’s opponents Everton will need to be aware of his qualities when the Gunners launch attacks from wide areas.

Scoring three goals in all competitions, alongside his eight assists, Arsenal have unearthed a young talent who is already equipped to shine at the highest level.

His decision-making both on and off the ball belies his age and inexperience. 

The Toffees will no doubt try to test Saka’s defensive resolve down that side of the pitch, and it will be interesting to see how he handles that.

But Carlo Ancelotti might be more concerned about how he can hurt his team. 

He is a player to look out for this weekend, and for the remainder of the season.

Also in this series

See: Oxlade-Chamberlain can drive Liverpool forward

Latest Videos

More Videos

Video is currently not available.

21 Nov 2024

Maresca: Only one player is definitely out this weekend

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca with team news ahead of Saturday's trip to Leicester

Your details have been submitted successfully.

You have already entered this competition. Please check your email for further information.

Your details have been submitted successfully.

Create a Premier League account

Continue

You are logged in as

Enter your details