Mikel Arteta has a number of talented players at his disposal in Arsenal’s squad.
The Spaniard has been able to take his side from mid-table mediocrity to perennial title challengers in a matter of years, and he’s done this by acquiring a number of stars who boast exceptional attributes.
Declan Rice is arguably one of the best midfielders in the world, and the same can be said of William Saliba in his position.
Meanwhile, Bukayo Saka is in the elite bracket of wide forwards, and the likes of Gabriel Magalhaes, Martin Odegaard, and David Raya are all arguably also some of the best in their respective roles.
Rice stole the headlines for Arsenal last season, with two spectacular free-kicks and two man-of-the-match displays against Real Madrid catching the eye.
However, while an excellent player in his own right, the midfielder isn’t quite Arsenal’s talisman, with that mantle belonging to someone else.
Bukayo Saka is Arsenal’s best and most important player, with his ability to carry the Gunners’ attack meaning he’s an indispensable figure in Arteta’s team.
Even Rice recognises this, citing Saka when asked who has the best skillset in the North Londoners’ squad.
“GOATed skillset, I’m going to say, right, the ability that Bukayo has got,” the former West Ham man responded when asked who had the ‘GOATed skillset’.
“To be able to be so fast and run with the ball on your foot. It looks like such an easy thing to do, but trust me, it’s really hard.
“When you do it to such a good level like B does, I look and think that’s GOATed.”
Saka suffered a serious hamstring injury back in December, which ultimately required surgery.
This kept the winger out for over three months and subsequently derailed what had shaped up to be an excellent season for him.
Ending the campaign having scored six and registered ten assists in the Premier League, these numbers had been exceptional prior to injury.
Before sustaining his hamstring tear, Saka had managed 15 goals contributions in 18 Premier League games.
If he’d continued at this rate, he’d have ended the campaign on a ridiculous tally in both categories.
It’s absolutely imperative for Arsenal that they keep the player fit next season.
