Bukayo Saka is being ‘used and abused’ in different positions by Mikel Arteta and could struggle to become a ‘top player’, claims Ashley Cole… as the former Arsenal star urges boss to nail down a role for the ‘fearless’ teenager
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.
Bukayo Saka has been warned he needs to ‘nail down’ a position to fulfil his full potential
Mikel Arteta has been accused of ‘using and abusing’ Saka by playing him in different positions
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.’
Ashley Cole praised Saka for being ‘fearless’ but warned the perils of being too versatile
Cole wants Saka to settle on an attacking role down the left where he can then cut inside
It was the first time Saka had started for Arsenal at right wing-back and when he was hooked with 25 minutes remaining, he would have been forgiven for having a sense of relief.
When pressed on the position Cole would like to see him in the answer was down the right but further forward in an attacking role.
‘I like to see him in the attacking areas, where he can cut in on his left foot, combine and he’s got that smart little movements to get in behind with his pace as well,’ Cole added.
Saka has been one of the bright sparks in a disappointing campaign for Arsenal in which they are looking at no European football next season for the first time in 25 years.
Added frustration for Saka will come in the knowledge that he is running out of auditions to make his case for a spot in England’s 26-man squad for the rearranged European Championships.
Saka (top) has been one of the few bright sparks this season for Arsenal in a below-par season
Jamie Redknapp believes England boss Gareth Southgate should select Saka this summer
A larger squad size available to Gareth Southgate has kept the door ajar for players like Saka and Jamie Redknapp feels his overall work this season earns him one of the spots.
Redknapp said: ‘He’s a brilliant little player. I really like him. I’m hoping he goes with the England squad to the Euros.
‘He might have been one who was sort of on Gareth’s maybe list but to give him that experience… what I like most about him is he’s fearless.
‘He doesn’t care, he wants the ball. He’s been a leading light for Arsenal. If you look at all the players that they’ve got, all the experienced players… he’s the one that you think, if Arsenal win it will because he does something special in the game.’
