Arsenal star Bukayo Saka has been urged by Mikel Arteta to be a “ruthless winner” and to always adopt “kill the opponents” mentality on the field.
Nominated for the 2022 Kopa Trophy… ✨@BukayoSaka87@Arsenal#TropheeKopa #ballondor pic.twitter.com/VaqyrswJe8
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While praising the England international, Arteta said that Saka now needs to step it up a notch if he wants to develop his game.
What Did Arteta Tell Saka?
“He has to be a ruthless winner,” Arteta said of the 20-year-old Gunners’ star.
“That’s it. Simple. That’s his mentality, that’s what he needs to do. He needs to win football matches on his own, he needs to be living this profession: tomorrow I’m going to kill the opponent.
“And that’s what I want from him. He has this ability now, he’s going through a place in his career and he needs to go to the next level right now.
“And I think he has the right environment to do it – he has the right people around him to do it and he’s very willing to do it. So that’s what we have to demand.”
Saka will succeed if he improves key parts of his game, according to Arteta.
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He went on to praise Saka as one of the most intelligent players he has encountered in his career.
“One of the most intelligent players I’ve come across,” he said.
“Very well raised and educated. And he loves this football game.
“He has all the qualities and the right people around him to be a success. That’s what we need to work on now.”
Saka has played a significant role in helping Arsenal remain one of just two teams with a perfect winning record in the Premier League this season.
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