Wayne Rooney praised Bukayo Saka as he named the Arsenal winger one of the Premier League’s best players in recent years ahead of Sunday’s clash against Manchester United.
Arsenal and England international Saka has continued to star under Mikel Arteta and has been a formidable threat in helping the Gunners remain in the Premier League title race alongside Man City.
The 22-year-old is enjoying his best season yet with 16 Premier League goals and nine assists, with Rooney marveling at his development at Arsenal and his rise as one of Europe’s best.
Speaking at Old Trafford, United legend Rooney said: “I think in recent years he has been one of the best players in the Premier League.
“I think what’s really refreshing for him nowadays is seeing open players always wanting to get in, but he gets confused.”
Wayne Rooney praised Bukayo Saka (pictured) as he named the Arsenal winger one of the best players in the Premier League.
Saka has enjoyed the best season of his top-flight career with 16 goals and nine assists.
Rooney (pictured) labeled Saka a “great player” for Arsenal in their title fight.
Rooney went on to analyze Saka’s ability to damage opposing defenses and compared his playing style to Arsenal legend Marc Overmars, who previously won the FA Cup and Premier League at the London club.
Overmars scored 40 goals in 141 appearances for the Gunners before joining Barcelona.
“He makes runs off the ball and beyond, a bit like Marc Overmars years ago, he will make runs and behind.” “He’ll come in and he’s very effective,” Rooney continued.
“He scores goals and without a doubt he is a great player.” I think he is a very intelligent player for such a young boy and his numbers, goals, assists, he has it, but he is always a threat.
“He’ll take the ball.” He is always a threat. And I think what he does is give Arsenal an outlet when they need it, but he will also create. That’s why I think he is a very important player for Arsenal,” Rooney added.
Rooney also compared Saka’s playing style to that of Arsenal legend Marc Overmars (pictured).
Meanwhile, Rooney also highlighted the performances of Man United’s Kobbie Mainoo, who has enjoyed a great campaign at the club and is fighting for a place in England’s Euro squad.
The 19-year-old has flourished in what has been a difficult season for United, but Rooney is concerned that the club’s senior players are not “protecting” him enough during matches.
“Mainoo at the moment has to be the main player sometimes, which is a bit much for him,” he said.
“What we’re going to see, which is natural, is performance and drop, his confidence will drop and he needs a bit of protection and I don’t think he’s getting it,” Rooney added.
