"Saka is a bit overrated and he always seems injured" – Ex-Manchester United star makes bold claim on Arsenal superstar
Ex-Manchester United defender Paul Parker has suggested that Arsenal superstar Bukayo Saka is not as good as the general consensus, insisting that the left-footed star is injury-prone.
Saka, who has missed just two matches across competitions for his club so far this season, has maintained his stellar level from last term of late. The 23-year-old has scored four goals and provided seven assists in 15 total appearances for the north London outfit so far.
However, Parker recently decided to spark a debate by sharing his thoughts on the left-footed attacker. He told online bookmaker bettingexpert.com (h/t Now Arsenal):
"Saka is a bit overrated and he always seems injured, especially if his team are behind in a match. Players like Emile Smith Rowe are what Arsenal need more than [Gabriel] Martinelli and Saka."
Opining more on Fulham's Emile Smith Rowe, Parker concluded:
"He is a brilliant player, but I don't think they are regretting that they sold him. He wanted more game time and couldn't get that at the club. But I think he's better than Martinelli, even though they are not similar players. The way he runs with the ball, keeping it close to the grass, is just wonderful."
Smith Rowe, 24, moved to west London outfit Fulham in a transfer worth up to £34 million earlier this summer. He has started 10 of his 13 overall appearances for the Cottagers, recording three goals and two assists.
Saka, on the other hand, is currently an injury doubt for Arsenal's upcoming league clash against Nottingham Forest. He was substituted off in the 81st minute of a 1-1 league draw against Chelsea on November 10.
Arsenal told to avoid signing 31-year-old
Spekaing to Genting Casino, former Gunners defender William Gallas claimed that his former club should not sign Paul Pogba on a Bosman move next year. He said (h/t Mirror):
"I don't think [Pogba can go back], because the Premier League is very intense. He can't play for a very long time. He will show desire to play and probably train very hard, but it's tough for him to play a lot of Premier League games for a whole season. Clubs like Arsenal will think twice before signing him. If you buy him, there's a guarantee that he won't last the whole season without an injury."
Pogba, who will turn 32 next March, is due to return to football next March after his ban was reduced from four years to 18 months earlier this year.
During his spell at Manchester United between 2016 and 2022, Pogba bagged 29 goals and laid out 38 assists in 157 Premier League matches.