STAR BOY: Saka Crowned England’s Player of the Year

Bukayo Saka of Arsenal has been named England Men’s Player of the Year, beating out Harry Kane and Declan Rice.

F Kevin de Bruyne is the Premier League King of Assists, then Bukayo Saka is the Prince.

It might have been a quiet start to the season for Arsenal’s Star Boy, but he is starting to come to the boil.

Only de Bruyne has more assists this season than Saka as the Englishman has become a key creative outlet for Arsenal.

After seven Premier League assists last season, Saka already has four, a clear indication that he is becoming more influential in the buildup.

It is crazy to think that he only turned 21 years old a couple of weeks ago – and only Cesc Fabregas has more goal involvements at the same age.

It is perhaps a sign of how much better we are compared to last year that Saka’s performances have gone unnoticed.

The winner was decided by a public vote and the Arsenal man came out on top, with Rice coming second and Kane finishing in third place.

Toney is one of five left out of the England squad for the Nations League tie against Italy.

Saka has matured into one of England’s finest talents since making his debut back in 2020.

The award winner has made a total of 18 appearances for England, scoring four goals in the process.

After the disappointment of the Euro 2020 final, Saka responded with his best season to date at Arsenal.

Saka scored a total of 11 Premier League goals last season and also produced seven assists.

Upon winning the award, Saka explained: “I’m so happy, I can’t put it into words how happy I am.

“To play for England is special.

“To get picked to play for your country is another level of honour and pride in yourself.

“You’re just happy every time you get to come here and put on the shirt and play at Wembley in front of all the fans, it’s a beautiful feeling.”

Saka has five goal contributions in his first seven Premier League matches this season with one goal and four assists.

The England international has become a key component in MikelArteta’s Arsenal side, who currently sit at the top of the Premier League.

England will face Italy and Germany in the Nations League during this international break and Saka will be hopeful to have an impact.

England currently sit at the bottom of League A Group 3, but a string of good results could see them move off the bottom.

Saka had his role to play in England qualifying for the World Cup as he scored three goals during the qualifying process.

The Arsenal youngster is still waiting for his first goal at a major tournament and he will be hoping to have an impact in Qatar this year.

Gareth Southgate certainly isn’t shot of options when it comes to right-sided forwards as the likes of Saka, Jarrod Bowen, Jadon Sancho, Phil Foden, and Raheem Sterling can all play in that role.

The England manager seems to value what Saka brings to the team though and right now you’d assume he is the first choice in that position.

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