Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka is certainly doing all he can to convince manager Unai Emery that he deserves a chance in the first team.
The 17-year-old scored twice as the Gunners beat Tottenham 5-2 in the FA Youth Cup last night. As well as scoring a penalty, he hit this excellent strike to seal victory in injury time:
Another game, another madness from @BukayoSaka87 ?
1️⃣4️⃣ starts
0️⃣9️⃣ goals
0️⃣8️⃣ assists pic.twitter.com/2V65uKNGhk— Arsenal Academy (@ArsenalAcademy) 18 January 2019
It follows another great goal he scored in the Checkatrade Trophy earlier this season. Fans have been very impressed with Saka and are keen for him to be afforded more game time at senior level:
Get him in the first team now, kid is unreal.
— Darren (@DF_Arsenal) 18 January 2019
Tbf he’s got a better boot than iwobi ??♂️
— bliz (@bdunc1337) 18 January 2019
Saka's style of play reminds me Dembele of Barcelona, the way he dribbles with the ball, though I'm not a saying they're anything alike.
— DreamzTM (@DreamzTM) 18 January 2019
Better than what we have right now on wings
— Andy GOATREAL (@17afctweet) 18 January 2019
Right foot touch, left foot set, left foot strike…….Dirty
— London Is Red ? (@milesp22) 18 January 2019
This kid is going places. You can see his work ethic and drive, great talent.
— Wayne Quinn (@WazzaQuinn) 18 January 2019
Pick that one out! ???
— Pain In The Arsenal (@PainInThArsenal) 18 January 2019
Mad bruv pic.twitter.com/sUaFQ1jRha
— Bnd it like Bendtner (@mrgustavezero) 18 January 2019
Left footed raheem sterling!
— Thomas Manders (@elvinho1993) 18 January 2019
Promote him to the first team!
— Jaydee ? (@jaydee__8) 18 January 2019
Since making his first team debut against Vorskla in the Europa League back in November, the England Under 19 international has also been given his first start (in the 1-0 win over Qarabag) as well as first appearances in the Premier League and FA Cup.
There’s no doubt that Saka is very much in Emery’s thoughts, but it will be interesting to see whether he can actually break into the senior side between now and the end of the season.