Arsenal fans were treated to one of the most exhilarating match nights in their recent history on Tuesday night as they ran out 3-0 winners over Real Madrid in their Champions League quarter-final first leg.
Midfielder Declan Rice was the star of the show, putting Arsenal two to the good with two free kicks of the highest quality in the second half.
Mikel Merino then rounded off the scoring with a superb curling effort, which he hit first-time and effectively passed into the far corner of Thibaut Courtois’ net.
Ian Wright has now spoken about another player besides Rice and Merino who he felt was outstanding on the night.
Ian Wright suggests Bukayo Saka doubters should start realising Arsenal star is ‘the real deal’
Wright, speaking on the Wrighty’s House podcast, praised Bukayo Saka for his display against Real Madrid.
The Highbury legend noted how Saka did an interview before the game where he was asked about Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo.
The suggestion was that Saka still had a way to go to reach their heights, and Wright believes he showed he was “more than at their level” – despite not being fully match sharp.
Wright said, when Saka was mentioned on the podcast: “And he’s only 50 percent fit as well.
“Bro, listen, this is what did you see the interview Bukayo Saka done with the Champions League when they asked him about Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo?
“You could see in his eyes that he kind of went like ‘here we go’. For them to ask the question, like, oh, I’m trying to reach their level and this and that.
“50 percent fit, he was more than at their level last night, you know, because let’s face it, Alaba is no mug in respect of what he’s doing.
“We saw what (Nuno) Mendes at PSG did to (Mohamed) Salah and we saw what Bukayo Saka had done to Mendes.
“You know, at some stage they’re going to actually say ‘yeah, this guy is the real deal’.
“But I love the way he answered it because he answered it in such a diplomatic way about, you know, this is about progression and keep working and it’s up to people what they say and this and that.
“But last night, you know, obviously the two goals, what came from him, directly from him and what he’s capable of doing and his play.”
Cesc Fabregas also praised Saka for how he the game game by the scruff of the neck and made things happen.
Even Real Madrid fans were impressed by Saka.
How Bukayo Saka fared for Arsenal against Real Madrid
Arsenal missed Saka during his absence and his performance against Real Madrid while still not fully match sharp shows just what a top player he is.
The Gunners star – making his first start since December – gave Alaba a torrid time and won both free kicks that Rice scored from.
| Bukayo Saka match statistics v Real Madrid | |
| Minutes played | 74 |
| Key passes | 1 |
| Pass completion | 77% |
| Ground duels won | 3/3 |
| Fouled | 3 |
Real Madrid’s defenders will not be looking forward to facing Saka next week.
Should Arsenal get the job done, then people may have to start speaking of Saka in the same way as Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo, as Wright has said.
