Manchester City defender Nathan Ake has named Arsenal star Bukayo Saka as one of his most difficult-ever opponents.
City are currently locked in a battle with the Gunners for the Premier League title, with Mikel Arteta's side currently sitting eight points clear at the top of the table, although the Citizens do have a game in hand on their title rivals. Now, Dutch centre-back Ake has admitted that playing against Hale End academy graduate Saka has been one of his toughest tests as a player.
When asked by HYPERBEAST about his most difficult matchups, the former Bournemouth man said: "[Roberto] Firmino was always a tough one because he could do everything – cuts in, drops deep, very good with the ball. Lately, as I’ve been playing at left back, players like Saka and [Mohamed] Salah are very difficult as well.”
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Saka has quickly established himself as one of the most productive right-wingers in Europe, netting 12 league goals and providing a further 10 assists throughout this season, making him the only Premier League player to register double digits in both categories this term. His most recent outing was perhaps his best of the lot.
During Sunday's 4-1 victory over Crystal Palace, the 21-year-old scored twice and provided an assist before linking up with the rest of the England squad for the ongoing international break. Saka's next game in an Arsenal shirt will come next month when Arteta's men welcome Leeds United to the Emirates Stadium on April 1.
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