Jason Cundy has pointed out that Bukayo Saka has had to compromise some of his attacking prowess due to his defensive responsibilities within Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal setup. During a recent match, Arsenal managed to secure a 0-0 draw against Atalanta, where goalkeeper David Raya played a crucial role in keeping the score level in Bergamo.
The Gunners’ forward line has faced significant criticism for their lack of effectiveness, particularly highlighted during their uninspiring performance at Gewiss Stadium. Saka, in particular, struggled to make a meaningful impact, failing to create the necessary chances for Arsenal to secure a win.
Despite the backlash aimed at Saka, Cundy is eager to shift the focus away from the young winger and highlight the broader context of his contributions. He emphasizes that Saka’s willingness to support the defense is a significant factor in making Arsenal one of the strongest defensive teams in the Premier League.
Cundy explains that attacking players must be ready to contribute defensively to remain a part of Arteta’s squad. He notes that Saka has been frequently tasked with helping the back line, which can detract from his offensive output.
While acknowledging Saka’s defensive sacrifices, Cundy also believes that the young talent needs to maintain a higher level of consistency to reach his full potential. He remarked that “Saka has got two jobs in that team,” indicating the dual expectations placed on him.
Cundy emphasized that without diligent defensive effort, a player’s talent may not be enough to secure a spot in Arteta’s plans. Saka’s ability to contribute defensively has come at the expense of his attacking capabilities, a trade-off that has not gone unnoticed.
Finally, Cundy reiterated that while Saka has shown his talent over the past few seasons, the very best players consistently deliver high performance week in and week out—a standard that Saka must strive to achieve in order to solidify his place among the elite.
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