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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Nizaar Kinsella

Arsenal star Bukayo Saka hailed as ‘one of world’s best’ after stunning England hat-trick

Bukayo Saka has been hailed as one of the best players in the world by Conor Gallagher, after his hat-trick against North Macedonia last night.

The Arsenal winger starred as England won 7-0 at Old Trafford to maintain their perfect start to Euro 2024 qualifying.

Saka scored two magnificent goals on his way to his first-ever senior hat-trick and Gallagher said: “He is right up there [among the best] and he is only getting better. He is a special player and to get a hat-trick was amazing for him.

“I have played with Bukayo since I think the Under-19s. Even then you could see that he would become a top player and to see how he has progressed until now has been amazing and I am sure he is going to get even better.”

All three of Saka’s goals were outstanding but his ferocious second, a 20-yard volley into the top corner after Trent Alexander-Arnold's long ball, stood out.

Phil Foden revealed the goal was the talk of the England dressing room. He said: “We were all just saying what a goal that volley was, it was an unbelievable strike.

“The thing is, I think he can keep getting even better, he is an amazing talent to have and I think he can get even better.”

Hat-trick hero: Bukayo Saka scored his first treble in senior football against North Macedonia (Getty Images)

England No1 Jordan Pickford believes the goal was unstoppable from a goalkeeping perspective.

He said: “Unbelievable, his first touch and volley from Trent's ball was special. He helped us mix our game up. He is a real talent and a great player.”

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