Bukayo Saka has opened up on being "embarrassed" by Barcelona legend Sergio Busquets, teaching him a valuable lesson during his early days in Arsenal 's first team.
The 20-year-old faced off against Busquets in a 2019 pre-season friendly at the famous Camp Nou, looking to make an impression under former manager Unai Emery after being handed his debut midway through the previous season. But Saka - even with his abundance of talent and elite levels of expectation from his days in the Gunners' academy - still had a lot to learn; evidenced by how awestruck he was by the acclaimed Spanish midfielder.
Asked by GQ Style which player has blown him away the most during his short but sparkling career, the Arsenal star rapidly replied: "Sergio Busquets. The way he just so elegantly turned me! I came at him to press him, I tried to fake this side then go to the other.
"And the way he just embarrassed me: I was just like, yeah, this guy is elite. The way he just took me out of the play, I said, 'Respect.' [Busquets] is three steps ahead of everyone and that's what makes you a top footballer. That's what I realised that day."
While the young England international will be on a long list of players whom Busquets has embarrassed, Saka's admission is a show of his renowned humble nature which has helped him become a fan favourite at both the Emirates and Wembley. Having won the Gunners' Player of the Year award last term and shone for the Three Lions during the European Championships, the winger has directly contributed to 14 goals in 30 Premier League appearances this campaign to further prove his credentials.
His performances have helped Mikel Arteta 's side into contention for the Champions League next season and reports suggest that he will be handed a new lucrative long-term contract amid transfer links to Liverpool and Juventus. One of his biggest fans is Arsenal icon Ian Wright, who has waxed lyrical about Saka's potential for years.
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In the same GQ Style feature, the ex-Gunners striker explained where his excitement came from and why the teenage prodigy was destined to go "all the way to the top." Wright added: "He was 15 and people were already saying Saka was way too advanced for the team he was playing with.
"I remember watching him at Hale End, and he went past three players so easily, and the ball came to him a couple of times and he just popped it off, one touch, and moved. He was just doing stuff in that game that a player of 25 years of age would do. I said, 'He's going all the way to the top – no danger'."
