"I don’t know what they are doing in training" - Paul Merson raises concerns over Arsenal star's performances at Euro 2024
Pundit Paul Merson has shared his concern over Arsenal star Bukayo Saka's performance for England at Euro 2024. The fleet-footed winger enjoyed a phenomenal season for Mikel Arteta's side but Merson has claimed that he has not been at the same level for the Three Lions.
Saka has started both games for England in Euro 2024 so far and has been one of England's better players. He assisted in Gareth Sothgate's side only goal against Serbia, helping them secure a nervy 1-0 win.
However, the 22-year-old looked far from his usual best against Denmark, as England had to settle for only a 1-1 draw. Merson has slammed Saka's performance and questioned whether he looks good only because of Arsenal teammate and skipper Martin Odegaard.
Paul Merson said, as quoted by The Boot Room:
“We should be wiping the floor with these teams and we should because that means we have better players all around the pitch. We should stamp our authority. It was the other way around against Denmark – I have never seen anything like it. Bar them not losing the game, it was as bad as the Iceland game, especially when we start to talk about how great these players are."
Merson added:
"I am starting to think now. Are these players great or are they playing with great players at their clubs? I will let you know if we win this tournament or not, because if we don’t win it, I start looking at these players and thinking ‘Saka, is it because you are playing with Odegaard?’ Is it because of patterns of play? Odegaard makes runs and you get time on the ball – at the moment, he is getting the ball and the defender isn’t as far away from him. Some of the time I think there is no pattern and I don’t know what they are doing in training.”
Saka has become one of the key players for Arsenal having come through the youth ranks of the club. He has already made 226 appearances for the Gunners, scoring 58 times while producing 53 assists.
The technically gifted right winger scored 20 times and created another 14 for Arsenal last season. However, Mikel Arteta's side finished second in the Premier League for the second season in a row.
John Stones hails Arsenal target for his displays at Euro 2024
England center-back John Stones has heaped praise on Arsenal target Marc Guehi for settling in seamlessly at the biggest stage. With Harry Maguire out injured, the Crystal Palace defender has been trusted by Gareth Southgate alongside Stones and has done reasonably well.
Stones has lavished praise on the 23-year-old for thriving under pressure at such a massive tournament. The Manchester City and England star said, as quoted by The Boot Room:
"So good. For him to come in, not have felt the feelings around tournament football before or these kind of games, all kinds of different emotions that come with it that you’ve never experienced before. He’s handled [it] so well, his performances."
Stones added:
“I said to him when we’re in this, or whoever’s playing or whoever I’m playing with, I’m your right arm, you are my left. We do this together. I’ve got your back and he’s bought into that so well. I believe massively in partnerships that you do it all together and I feel that he’s handled the occasion so well and I really enjoy playing with him.”
Guehi came through the youth ranks of Chelsea and impressed while on loan at Swansea City. Crystal Palace secured his signature in 2021 in a deal reportedly worth £18 million and he has done quite well for the Eagles since.