When the season began, the left-back position was seen as a position of concern, but unlike the previous season, not for the lack of options or quality therein but for a lot of bodies via for that spot. But merely four(4) months on and it’s proving problematic again and this time for the entire opposite of the former.
Kieran Tierney suffered a dislocated shoulder and underwent a successful surgery but nonetheless will not be available for selection till the end of January. Sead Kolasinac has also been diagnosed out till the end of March, meaning the two(2) left-backs Arsenal came into the season are all out Leaving Arsenal desperately short of options.
It’s now been three(3) matches that Bukayo Saka has had to fill in the left-back role. His performance in all three(3) games have been very solid once you’d expect from a natural defender.
As crazy as it may sound, Bukayo has to weigh his options and consider becoming an orthodox left-back, sounds odd but it could end up being a reality. With Kolasinac almost certainly not having a future here and Kieran Tierney proving unreliable due to frequent injuries, this may just be Saka’s chance to make his name.
This can be very well likened to the Debuchy-Bellerin situation when Bellerin filled in Debuchy in his injury absence. This can also be likened to Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s Crystal Palace ascension. A winger who couldn’t really break team the first team slotting in at full-back, playing confidently well and making the position his own.
Bukayo Saka is a very confident young lad and his experience as a left-winger will help him a lot as he knows how to speed past players, complete take ons and recently he has also shown solid defensive nous.
With the recent emergence of Gabi Martinelli and the possible Wing recruitments in the market, Bukayo Saka might find it a little too much for him to break into that position. If Bukayo Saka will have a long term future here at Arsenal, It very well may have to be at Left back.
