Arsenal and England winger Bukayo Saka has made a surprising admission about the player he idolised while growing up, naming Brazilian superstar Neymar as his ultimate inspiration.
Saka's Stance on Comparisons and 'World Class' Debate
The 24-year-old, who has become a pivotal figure for both club and country, spoke candidly to Sky Sports. He addressed the ongoing debate about whether he has now entered the 'world class' bracket of players, a conversation he deliberately avoids.
Saka stated that comparison is 'the thief of joy', explaining that constantly measuring himself against others leads to perpetual dissatisfaction. He emphasised the importance of focusing on his own journey and pushing his personal limits, rather than getting caught up in external rankings.
Neymar: The Idol of a Generation
When asked if there was a player he specifically looked up to in his youth, Saka did not hesitate. He pinpointed Neymar during his peak years at Barcelona as the footballer he admired most.
'Growing up he was the one I idolised the most out of all of them,' Saka revealed. 'There's not a clip on YouTube I haven't seen.' He then shared a cheeky secret from his academy days, admitting, 'I shouldn't be saying this but we used to get YouTube up and watch his clips' during education sessions with friends.
Saka praised the unparalleled joy and freedom Neymar brought to the game, expressing his admiration for the Brazilian's confidence and desire to have the ball in any situation. 'He's done that to a level not many have,' Saka concluded.
Arsenal's Title Challenge Faces Defining Period
The interview comes at a critical juncture in Arsenal's season. The Gunners currently hold a two-point lead at the Premier League summit, but face a stern test of their championship credentials in the coming weeks.
Their next set of fixtures mirrors a problematic sequence from the previous campaign, where Mikel Arteta's side dropped a costly 13 points. The corresponding results last season were:
- Everton (a) 1-1
- Brighton (h) 1-1
- Aston Villa (h) 2-2
- Bournemouth (a) 2-0
- Liverpool (h) 2-2
- Nottingham Forest (a) 0-0
With Manchester City returning to ominous form, Arsenal's ability to navigate these upcoming matches against Wolves, Everton, Brighton, Aston Villa, Bournemouth, Liverpool, and Nottingham Forest could define their entire season. Saka's form and leadership will be more vital than ever if the North London club is to finally end their long wait for a Premier League crown.
