Ex-Leeds and Chelsea striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink believes Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka is up there with the “best” wide forwards in world football.

The Dutchman worked with the player during his time with England and, speaking to Genting Casino, Hasselbaink said the combination of ability and work ethic make him a special talent:

“For me, Bukayo Saka is in the best in the world category when it comes to wide forwards. You can put Saka up against any other wide forward in the game – he’s that good.”

“What I love about Saka is his attitude. He’s so humble, doesn’t have an ego, and he has the character to do every single part of the game. If you ask him to do the defensive work, he does with the same commitment as he does when he attacks. Other players don’t do that.”

Saka’s physical strength and willingness to improve impressed Hasselbaink

Hasselbaink spent 17 months as England’s assistant coach before leaving his role when Gareth Southgate announced his resignation in August so he has had the opportunity to watch the Arsenal star up close. Speaking about the player’s key attributes, the 2x Premier League Golden Boot winner said:

“Saka scores goals, he creates goals. Watching him and working with him for England, he surprised me how strong he was physically because he’s not really a big boy, but he’s very strong on his feet.”

“His mentality is super. When I asked him (at the European Championships), ‘Do you want to take a penalty?’ He said: ‘Yeah. Why wouldn’t I?’  He is a player that takes responsibility and isn’t fazed by anything or any scenario – he wasn’t concerned by the weight of the occasion or the size of the task, because he backs himself to be the best in any situation. That’s why I praised his mentality.”

“He’s a big-time player and it was a pleasure to work with him. When I used to go through videos with him, analysing different opponents and their weaknesses, he always listened; he always wanted to improve. He is a player with an amazing attitude and, in his desire to be the best player he can be, he leaves no stone unturned.”

He doesn’t need to prove anything to Arsenal supporters

All of the praise that Hasselbaink is lavishing on Saka won’t come as a surprise to any Gunners fan. They have watched his rise from the Hale End Academy to the first team very closely.

Saka’s physicality, steely mentality and humility are well known to those who watch him at the Emirates every week. There are not many like him in world football.