Mikel Arteta insists Bukayo Saka can 'do better' in Cristiano Ronaldo comparison

04 March 2024 , 12:00

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Mikel Arteta has told Bukayo Saka he “can become much better”

Mikel Arteta has told Bukayo Saka he “can become much better” as he claimed the Arsenal winger can emulate Cristiano Ronaldo as a goal-scoring winger.

The Portuguese superstar developed from a wide man to goal machine for top clubs across Europe. Ronaldo scored 25 goals in his final season with Manchester United in 2008-09. England star Saka has 16 goals and 13 assists, including seven goals in his last five Premier League games.

Asked if he can match the 25-season total of Saka’s hero Ronaldo, the Gunners boss said: “I hope he is doing that, because he can become much better. I think he can get in better positions still. His finishing, especially with certain surfaces, has to improve and his timing as well. So he can do better.”

Saka is enjoying a hot streak after scoring only once in 11 games during October and November.

"Players have moments,” Arteta added. “You can analyse just the attacking stats or the goals or assists. Then you make the judgement because of that, that's it.

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"But his overall play, contribution and the way he was affecting the game was still really high.

"Is he now being more efficient? The answer is yes. The impact he's had in the last seven or eight games has been really good. I'm really happy to have a player in form."

Bukayo Saka has scored seven goals in his last five Premier League games (PA)

With Thomas Partey back in the squad to face Sheffield United tonight, Arteta said he welcomes facing tricky selection decisions in a squad now close to full strength.

"Yes - but having that option as well,” added the Spaniard. “And, first of all, putting always the intention of what is the best way to hurt this opponent, and what is the best line-up to give us the best chance to win the game.

"Then there is always the difficulty of putting one player on the bench over starting another, but I think we are going to have a lot of time and a lot of minutes for players in the next three months.”

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Neil McLeman