In a team full of impressive youngsters, Bukayo Saka has managed to shine bright under the stewardship of Mikel Arteta this season at Arsenal.
The 20-year-old added a goal and an assist to his tally in the Premier League on Sunday in the first-half against Watford at Vicarage Road.
It took the England international to eight goals and five assists for the season, putting him just one goal behind leading scorer Emile Smith Rowe, who has also impressed from the Gunners' academy.
The stats only tell part of the story though, with Saka impressing even on occasions he isn’t involved in a goal, often driving the team forward to improve and grow into games.
His consistency is something that has impressed Arteta, saying in a recent interview with Sky Sports: “"I think his [Bukayo Saka’s] biggest improvement is the level of consistency he's playing with. To have moments is fine. A lot of players can do that. But to play consistently at that level is very difficult.
"Opponents know him and people expect a lot of him but he is still as humble, as committed and as hungry as he was when I met him on the first day.
"Now, I think he understands the game much better and I think he also has a different level of aggression as a player which I think was very needed in him."
The youngster’s impressive performances have led to talk of a new contract offer on the table, making sure he could stay at the club and be part of the long-term project for this Arsenal side.
Saka’s current deal runs until 2024 and he has been linked with a move to Liverpool in the past.
His display at Vicarage Road led to praise from the pundits on Sky Sports, with Jamie Redknapp highlighting his first-half performance: “Saka has been unplayable in the first half, I love the backheel from Odegaard in the build-up for the first goal.
“He’s an incredible young player, the confidence he shows, the quick play, he’s been brilliant in the first half.”
Former Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane was also praising the England international, calling him a “special talent”.
He said: “This kid, he’s a special talent. He’s played really well, nice and aggressive, I don’t think it was a foul in the build-up [for the second goal] no, given the ‘keeper the eyes and a great finish.”
For those of an Arsenal persuasion, there will certainly be a hope that Saka can continue to deliver and continue to develop.
It’s becoming clearer just how important the winger is to the side, with some of his peak years still way ahead of him.
