Arsenal news: Pundit hits out at Bukayo Saka latest after what he’s just seen – ‘really dangerous’
Noel Whelan has insisted Arsenal star Bukayo Saka must be used in a more “attacking” role for England after his display at left wing-back against Italy on Friday (23 September).
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 21-year-old’s “energy” needs to be used in “the right areas” – and hailed his “really dangerous” impact in his natural wing role.
Saka played 72 minutes on the left of England’s five-man defence as they were defeated 1-0 by Italy at San Siro.
The youngster broke through as a left-back for Mikel Arteta during the 2019-20 season but has transitioned into a right-winger after establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s most exciting talents.
He has senior scored four goals in 18 senior international caps and was named the England Men’s Player of the Year before Friday’s game (23 September).
Whelan suggested Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate “doesn’t know his best eleven” despite being just two months out from the World Cup.
He told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “Playing in that position won’t be a surprise to him.
“He came through in that role, so he’ll know how to play it.
“But when we’ve seen him for Arsenal over the past couple of years in that advanced role, we’ve seen how effective he is.
“It’s important to use his energy in the right areas, and the right area for him is as a winger, playing in that attacking zone.
“He gets into really dangerous areas with his pace and skill.
“I can see where Southgate is coming from by playing him in that role, but he needs to use his energy where he’s more potent.
“He doesn’t seem to know what his best eleven is at the moment, and that’s been really detrimental to the results.”
In other news, pundit issues “best in England football” claim amid Ben White development at Arsenal.