Premier League side Arsenal started their new season with a 2-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers last night (August 17) at Emirates Stadium.
Goals from Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka in each half respectively ensured that the Gunners didn’t face any surprises in their opening fixture after narrowly missing out on the trophy last season, finishing second by just two points.
Following the win over Wolves, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta heaped plaudits on the team’s performance and even compared the ‘quality’ of one player to that of Argentina icon Lionel Messi.
When asked about Saka during the post-match press conference, Arsenal manager Arteta was quizzed on why opposing teams allow the winger to cut inside onto his left foot.
Arteta couldn’t help but smile broadly at the question and went on to draw a comparison between Saka and Argentine legend Messi, who is widely considered one of the greatest footballers of all time.
In direct response to the question about Saka, Arteta said: ‘Good players, you know…”
‘With [Lionel] Messi, I know that he’s going to come in here and put the ball there. He does it all the time. It’s the quality of the players.’
Saka yet to win major trophies
There has been ongoing discussion about whether Saka deserves to be regarded as a world-class footballer, despite his crucial role as Arsenal’s key attacking player in recent seasons and his notable performances in top-tier football.
In contrast, Messi boasts four Champions League titles along with numerous domestic victories with Barcelona, international successes with Argentina, and a record eight Ballon d’Or awards.
In comparison, Saka has secured one FA Cup and two Community Shields since becoming a regular starter for Arsenal.
The England and Arsenal winger, however, has a long way to go in his career and it’s only a matter of time before the 22-year-old gets his hands on some of the biggest accolades in football.