Arsenal legend David O'Leary has delivered a scathing assessment of Bukayo Saka's recent displays. According to the ex-defender, the English winger is not showing the calibre of performance expected from one of the team's top earners.
Speaking on talkSPORT's Sunday Edition, O'Leary highlighted his concerns over Saka's tendency to hit the deck in challenges rather than pressing forward.
'To be honest, I don’t think he’s in the best shape right now. I really like the lad.
But I've watched him grow and break into the first team, and it became clear just how good he could be. Now, however, it seems he’s going down too easily.
It feels like he’s seeking out contact in order to fall. He used to be bolder and didn’t allow defenders to bring him down so easily.
He’s definitely not the player he was. While he remains a top talent, does he currently play at the level Arsenal expect from someone they’ve handed a lucrative new contract? At the moment, I don’t think so,' O'Leary stated.
The former footballer stressed that Saka needs to rediscover his form if Arsenal hopes to continue its upward trajectory.
O'Leary also praised Declan Rice's performance in the last match, urging Saka to take a leaf out of the West Ham star's book.
'I don’t know what’s happened. But when I look at the team, its development, and those currently putting in good performances, especially seeing how brilliant Declan Rice was yesterday, I know Saka must step up again.
If he returns to his previous level, Arsenal will become an even stronger side,' O'Leary added.
O'Leary's criticism comes amid discussions about Saka's status at the club. While the Englishman remains a key attacking player for Arsenal, his current performances, according to O'Leary, do not align with the expectations tied to his new contract and hefty salary.
