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Manchester United icon Rio Ferdinand has appreciated Arsenal's Bukayo Saka after his performance against Tottenham Spurs. He said that the English player has not been at his best this season, but managed to bring his best in the North London Derby.
Speaking on his official YouTube channel, Ferdinand stated that Saka turned up when Arsenal required him most, which shows that the English player is a leader at the side. He said that the winger is allowed to have some poor games following his performances for the club in recent seasons and said:
"Saka is allowed a day off because he has been so consistent in the last couple of years. He showed [against Spurs] that no matter what the form is, or even if he's a little bit off his normal output, the North London derby comes and [he's like] 'I've got to turn up'. And that's what a youth product [like him] should be saying. He should be the leader in that sense."
Arsenal are in discussion with Saka over a new contract, and manager Mikel Arteta has hinted that the Englishman is bound to stay. He said that the winger wants to leave a legacy at the club and said:
"I prefer that word, I think it is confidence. What Bukayo has transmitted to me and the club, and Emeka (Obasi, Saka's agent) as well, is that they want to continue to be here. I think it's a very healthy and powerful relationship. The journey that he has had at the club and what he has become is something we want to maintain."
"I think that is something that is going to leave a legacy at this football club and he needs to fulfill that role. What I'm very aware of is that he wants to continue with us, that he's very happy and that he's in the place that he wants to continue to be and achieve everything that we want to achieve together. When that (a new contract) happens and how it happens, I leave that to Andrea [Berta] and the club to figure it out."
Saka has two years remaining on his contract at Arsenal and is close to signing a new contract at the club.
Bukayo Saka's tough start to the new season
Bukayo Saka has appeared 10 games in the Premier League this season, but is yet to provide an assist. He has scored three goals in the league, with his last coming in the 2-2 draw vs Sunderland earlier this month.
The English forward has two goals in three UEFA Champions League games and has scored as many times in the two Carabao Cup games this season.
Saka wrapped last season with six goals in UEFA Champions League and gave two assists. He also managed six goals and 10 assists in his 25 Premier League games.
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