Bukayo Saka scored a stunning solo goal as England defeated Wales 3-0 in the international friendly at Wembley Stadium on Thursday.
The 24-year-old got the fans off their seats in the 20th minute when he collected a pass from Ezri Konsa in the corner of the penalty area, before dazzling David Brooks with some fancy footwork and smashing a fierce left-footed strike into the top corner of Karl Darlow’s net.
Thomas Tuchel was visibly impressed and responded by repeatedly punching the touchline with his fists.
Saka’s goal came after early strikes from Aston Villa duo Ollie Watkins and Morgan Rogers had put the Three Lions under control.
Fans come from “world class” Bukayo.
Tuchel wasn’t the only one impressed by Saka’s superb strike, his 13th in 45 senior international appearances.
Social media was full of Arsenal and England fans labeling Saka as ‘world class’ during and after the match.
One fan even declared: “Bukayo Saka is the best RW to ever play for England.”
Another fan went further, saying: “Call me crazy but Bukayo Saka is the best player in the world.”
A message from a third fan read: “I honestly can’t understand how people say Saka isn’t world class. Not many players can do that. He is INSANE.”
Saka has now scored three goals in his last three games for club and country.
“Bukayo Saka reminds England fans what he has… World class,” read another tweet, while another fan asked: “Saka is world class, how can anyone disagree?”
Many Arsenal supporters enjoyed Saka’s latest international performance and one in particular sounded optimistic about his chances of leading the club to glory this season.
“Injury robbed us of Bukayo Saka, the killer, last season, but he’s taking it to a new level,” began a lengthy tweet. “Three goals in three games, with his fitness and sharpness increasing by the minute. Arsenal must put him above all others; he is the man who will lead us to the biggest trophies.”
Is Bukayo world class?
The debate over Saka’s status has raged for over a year, with performances like Thursday’s certainly adding weight to the argument.
Rio Ferdinand was one of the first major pundits to publicly elevate him to that category. Speaking TNT Sports earlier this year, the former England defender called Saka world-class and said only Mohamed Salah could claim to be a better right winger in world football.
Ferdinand also insisted that Saka “get into the Real Madrid team”.
Busket Saka o
Peter Crouch has also previously said that Saka is world class. He describes him as a ‘game changer’ and points out that Arsenal look visibly weaker in his absence.
Ultimately, team success is often the factor that cements a player’s reputation as world-class. If Saka guides Arsenal to Champions League glory or helps England win next summer’s expanded World Cup, he will be much harder to argue against.
Bookmakers currently suggest England have a 12.5% chance of winning the World Cup, while Arsenal are second favorites behind Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League outright betting.
Voice Sakaya Arsenal/England record
Saka’s strike against Wales was not only important because of its quality. His 13th international goal made him Arsenal’s all-time top scorer for England.
He was previously tied with club legend Cliff Bastin, who scored his twelfth and final goal for England in 1938.
Most English goals scored by Arsenal players
| Rank | Player | England Goals |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bukayo van | 13 |
| 2 | Cliff Bastin | 12 |
| =3 | Tony Houtcock | 9 |
| =3 | Ian Wright | 9 |
England’s focus now turns to a World Cup qualifier away to Latvia on Tuesday.
Saka sounds excited ahead of that match. He said after Thursday’s win at Wembley: “We are building something good, and it’s exciting to be part of that. I feel we are making progress and going in the right direction under him.”
Speaking about his record-breaking goal, he told reporters: “It’s been a while since I put the ball in the net in an England shirt. It makes it even better.”
Discussing how he cut inside before shooting, he added: “It’s normal for me and something I’ve been doing for a while. I try to keep the defender guessing. You have to change it so they don’t know when to expect it.”
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