Arsenal starlet Bukayo Saka has claimed that Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets taught him a huge footballing lesson back in 2019.
The Hale End academy graduate has established himself as one of the Gunners' most consistent players over the last few years, winning the club's player of the year award for his impressive displays during the 2019/20 campaign. He has followed that up with another solid season this term, notching nine goals and five assists in the Premier League - making him the club's joint-top goalscorer alongside fellow Englishman Emile Smith Rowe.
Now, Saka has opened up on a number of talking points during a recent interview with GQ Magazine, revealing that Spanish legend Busquets 'embarrased' him when the north London outfit played at the Nou Camp in a pre-season friendly three years ago. When asked which opponent has blown him away, the 20-year-old said: "Sergio Busquets.
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"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."
Saka also heaped praise on another Barcelona icon, admitting that he would love to score a similar goal to Lionel Messi's sublime solo effort during the Copa del Rey final against Athletic Bilbao back in 2015. "Because of the moment," he added when discussing Messi's famous finish.
"I think I would say Leo Messi’s goal in the Copa del Rey final against Athletic Club. The one where he dribbled everyone.
"Now that I play, I can see how hard it is to score that goal. People are trying to kick him, to bring him down in the process, and he just keeps going, and he still scored in the final, as well.
"I was just like, wow. When he says he’s going past you, you’re not stopping him."
