‘Ridiculously good’ – Former Chelsea striker hits back at criticism of Arsenal forward
Tony Cascarino has strongly defended Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka, arguing that the England international has become something of a “scapegoat” despite his remarkable consistency.
Saka has faced renewed scrutiny around his England performances, but Cascarino believes criticism of the 25-year-old overlooks both his attacking output and the work he provides without the ball.
Speaking on talkSPORT, the former Chelsea striker pointed towards Saka’s strong start to the season with Arsenal as evidence that concerns over his form are misplaced.
“Saka’s done brilliant, he’s 25 years old, he’s had an amazing time,” Cascarino said.
“The only time I’ve seen him really not play his best football is when he was recovering from injury.
“He started this season with three goals in five games for Arsenal, so he’s in really good form.
“I feel like Saka’s become a little bit of a scapegoat. I think he is a huge bonus for England.”
Saka remains an important figure for Thomas Tuchel, who included the Arsenal academy graduate in his squad for the current Nations League international window.
The England manager underlined that importance when discussing his right-back options, explaining that the connection with Saka is one factor in deciding who plays behind him.
Cascarino also believes the tactical demands placed on modern wingers can be overlooked when assessing individual performances.
He argued that wide players are reliant on their full-backs and now have considerably greater defensive responsibilities than players in the position once had.
Cascarino subsequently described Saka as underrated because his work rate rarely changes, adding that the Arsenal star consistently puts in a “really hard shift”.
Saka’s international record provides further support for Cascarino’s argument, with the winger entering the September-October internationals on 56 England appearances and 17 goals.
He also produced one of his finest England performances at this summer’s World Cup, scoring a hat-trick as the Three Lions beat France 6-4 to secure third place.
That made Saka only the second England player after Sir Geoff Hurst to score a hat-trick in a World Cup knockout match.
Cascarino believes that record should carry significant weight when assessing Saka’s England place.
“The biggest thing you can — why the best players are the best players — is the consistency level they set,” he added.
“I think he’s been pretty consistent. I mean, considering he is 25. What he has done for England and Arsenal is ridiculously good.”
For Arsenal, Cascarino’s assessment reflects the consistency Saka has shown while becoming one of the club’s most important players under Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta.
His influence for club and country means Cascarino sees little justification for questioning whether Saka should retain his England starting place.
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