Arsenal’s legend, Bob Wilson said he is worried over the future of Bukayo Saka, due to the amount of time he has been “kicked” since he began his career.
The Arsenal legend is scared that Saka might not reach his full potential, and his career might be truncated at the age of 24 or 25.
Bob Wilson, who played as a goalkeeper for the Gunners between 1963 and 1974 has mirrored the opinion of many, who feel that Bukayo Saka isn’t protected enough.
Is the football career of Bukayo Saka at risk?
Bukayo Saka was the third most-fouled player in the Premier League in 2023, behind just Jordan Ayew and Bruno Guimaraes.
The Englishman was fouled 87 times as his willingness to hold the ball and take on players has often resulted in him being on the receiving end of some nasty tackles.
Saka didn’t start this campaign fiery, in comparison to previous seasons and many felt he was already feeling the heat of the tackles he has received in recent years.
However, the winger has come into his own since the second half of the season and he has produced some mesmeric displays in recent months.
Bukayo Saka is Arsenal’s main man, and he is saddled with the responsibility of leading their charge towards the league title.
The 22-year-old has made 37 appearances this season, scoring 16 goals and providing 13 assists in all competitions.
“Saka should be protected” – Mikel Arteta
In November 2022, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta also called on referees to protect players like Saka.
Arteta said: “The better the players become, the bigger the target they become because people try and find ways to stop him.
“That is why football has very clear rules, what you can do and what you cannot do, and that is the referees’ job [to protect players].”
The Gunners also complained to the (Professional Game Match Officials Limited) PGMOL in January 2024, demanding protection for Saka, who as aforementioned is amongst the most fouled players in the Premier League in the past 12 months.
Speaking in an interview with The Telegraph, Bob Wilson said:
“What drives me demented is we have one of the best young players and, if we aren’t careful, football will lose him by the time he is 24 or 25 because Bukayo Saka will have been kicked out of the game.”
He added: “Referees don’t seem to see or understand it. There are always a minimum of two players within five yards of Saka and often a third.
“If they can’t stop him, they kick him. People say, ‘What do you mean? That’s too dramatic’ – I say there has not been a more kicked player in the Premier League than Bukayo Saka.
Wilson’s assertion comes just days after Saka withdrew from the England squad for their friendlies in March due to injury.
Bukayo Saka has also become an important figure for the Three Lions and they will be hoping that he is in top shape for the upcoming European Championships in the summer of 2024.
