Bukayo Saka: Using Title Hunger to Fuel Arsenal’s Ambitions

Bukayo Saka has gone from a promising young lad to a key player for both Arsenal and England!

September 22, 2024
10:02 am

What a journey Bukayo Saka has had! From being a bright-eyed 18-year-old in the No.77 shirt to becoming one of the most crucial players for both Arsenal and England, it’s been nothing short of amazing. Just five years back, he scored his first goal for Arsenal in a Europa League match against Eintracht Frankfurt. Now, at 23, he’s a key player in the Gunners’ mission to dethrone Manchester City in the Premier League and a star for England on the world stage.

Saka’s growth is a perfect reflection of Arsenal’s evolution under Mikel Arteta. When he switched to the No.7 shirt, it was like a badge of honour, showing just how much responsibility he’s taken on. He’s become the Gunners’ main attacking threat, either scoring or assisting in all but one of their six goals this season. His form is absolutely electric, and as the Premier League heats up, Saka is once again central to Arsenal’s title dreams.

But it hasn’t all been sunshine and rainbows for Saka. He’s had his share of heartbreak, with Arsenal coming agonisingly close to winning the Premier League title twice, only to be pipped by Pep Guardiola’s relentless City. And let’s not forget those two Euro Championship final appearances with England that ended in disappointment, leaving him with a bitter taste of what could have been.

Yet, instead of letting those setbacks get him down, Saka has turned them into fuel for his fire. “It has flown by,” he said, reflecting on his journey. “I have grown a lot, in every aspect. It’s normal after five years.” You can really see that growth in his performances and mindset. He’s already been named England’s Player of the Year twice in a row, which just shows how influential he is both domestically and internationally.

Interestingly, while many of his England teammates returned from a tough summer at the Euros looking a bit worn out, Saka seems to have bounced back, full of energy. While stars like Kyle Walker, John Stones, and Phil Foden are slowly easing back into club life, even Arsenal’s new signing Declan Rice has admitted he’s not quite at his best yet. But Saka? He’s been all about recovery, nutrition, and a relentless drive to improve. “I just do everything. I live for football,” he explained. “Whether it’s recovery, whether it’s food, whether it’s studying the game. I want to be the best player I can be.”

This focus really sets Saka apart. He’s gearing up for the big clash with Manchester City, not just to grab crucial points in the title race but to shake off the disappointments of the past. “At the end of the day, it’s also hunger. To achieve what I haven’t achieved yet,” he says, mixing frustration with ambition.

But here’s the kicker: Saka’s got even more on his plate now. With Arsenal’s captain Martin Ødegaard out for at least eight weeks due to injury, there’s a big gap in creativity and leadership. Saka, who’s worn the captain’s armband before and has been promoted to England’s leadership group, is being prepped as a future captain. This added responsibility might just push him to elevate his game even more as Arsenal heads into a crucial part of their season.

As Arsenal gears up for a massive showdown against Manchester City, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Can Bukayo Saka turn his past disappointments into the fuel that finally leads Arsenal to their first Premier League title in nearly two decades? One thing’s for sure: the young winger’s hunger for success has never been more obvious.