Former Arsenal and Chelsea defender Ashley Cole thinks Bukayo Saka will struggle to become a “top player” at the Emirates Stadium.
Saka has been a bright spark for the Gunners in a bleak season for Mikel Arteta’s side, who have failed to find any consistency in the Premier League.
Arsenal currently sit eighth in the standings after their fortunate 1-0 victory over Chelsea on Wednesday and have spent most of the season hovering around mid-table.
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Saka has provided seven goals and six assists this campaign after making 19 Premier League starts in his breakthrough season last term.
But Cole thinks the 19-year-old needs to make a position his own in the Gunners’ line-up rather than being used as a utility man.
“I think he’s a shining light in this Arsenal team,” Cole told Sky Sports. “He plays with courage, fearless at times.
“But I just feel when you don’t cement down one position, it’s very, very difficult to nail that trade down to become a top, top player.
“As a manager you love it, because he’s adaptable, he can play in three or four positions, which is brilliant.
“But I just feel for him at times, because he’s kind of used and abused.”
Cole was asked what Saka’s best position is, he replied: “I like him from the right but not as a wing-back. I like to see him in the attacking areas, where he can cut in on his left foot, combine and he’s got that smart little movements to get in behind with his pace as well.”
Fellow pundit Jamie Redknapp has liked what he’s seen from Saka this season and wants to see the Gunners star given a chance in the England squad this summer.
Redknapp added: “Brilliant little player. I really like him. I’m hoping he goes with the England squad to the Euros. He might have been one who was sort of on Gareth’s maybe list but to give him that experience… what I like most about him is he’s fearless.
“He doesn’t care, he wants the ball. He’s been a leading light for Arsenal. If you look at all the players that they’ve got, all the experienced players… he’s the one that you think, if Arsenal win it will because he does something special in the game.”