Two ex-Chelsea stars agree on 'amazing' Arsenal star Bukayo Saka amid Lionel Messi comparison
Former Chelsea duo Joe Cole and Andriy Shevchenko have agreed on their verdict of Arsenal star Bukayo Saka following England's 1-1 draw against Ukraine. The 22-year-old's performances in the last 12 months have seen him rightfully named on the shortlist for the Ballon d'Or award.
Saka was talismanic for the Gunners last season after scoring 15 goals and providing 11 assists in 48 appearances across all competitions. The England international's importance at Arsenal cannot be understated after he has already played close to 14,000 minutes across all competitions for the senior team, since making his breakthrough under Mikel Arteta in 2019.
Saka's form for Arsenal and England has seen him emerge as oneof Gareth Southgate's few undroppables for the Three Lions. In fact, Cole believes the Gunners star has the same ability cutting in off the right wing as one of the greatest players to ever play the game — Lionel Messi.
Speaking to Channel 4 after England drew 1-1 against Ukraine in their European Championship 2024 qualifying clash, Cole said: «He's [Saka] got an ability to cut in, just like Lionel Messi, which very few players have. Mohamed Salah has it, Lionel Messi has it and Bukayo Saka has it.»
The Arsenal star has seemingly replaced Raheem Sterling in England's attack after the Chelsea forward was omitted from Southgate's squad for a second consecutive time. Saka's rise to becoming one of the best wingers in Europe has rightfully seen him draw comparisons with the likes of Salah and Messi — and Shevchenko agrees with Cole that the Hale End graduate has been 'amazing'.
The ex-Blues striker told Channel 4: «Harry Kane and Saka, these are amazing players.» Shevchenko went on to discuss Kane's move to Bayern Munich and whether
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