Bukayo Saka has established himself as one of the world’s best wingers (Picture: Getty)
Bukayo Saka’s former youth teammates have revealed the Arsenal star emulated Diego Maradona with a goal against Manchester United and that he would always ‘drop back down’ to his own age group to play Chelsea.
Saka came through the Hale End academy and has established himself as one of the best wingers in word football and an important player for club and country.
The 22-year-old has produced 12 goals and eight assists across 24 Premier League games so far this season as Arsenal look to land their first top-flight trophy in 20 years.
Saka’s former teammates always knew the Englishman was destined for greatness from a very young age as The Athletic caught up with a number of them.
‘He would drop back down to his own age for cup games or to play Chelsea,’ Ismaila Diallo said.
‘That was when you noticed the difference as he was so far ahead in his maturity. It looked easy for him.
‘People would be waiting to find out whether he was available, so we were always buzzing when he was playing.
Bukayo Saka has been in fine form for Arsenal this season (Picture: Getty)
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‘One time we played Manchester United in the Liam Brady Cup. He got the ball and dribbled between two defenders, then went around the goalkeeper.
‘There were players recovering and it was a tight angle, but he rifled the ball in.
Everyone ran onto the pitch to celebrate with him as it was a tight game.’
Armstrong Okoflex added: ‘That goal was crazy. He Maradona’d the keeper! I’ve never seen a goal like it. It was funny actually as we were like, ‘Where did that come from?’ – as Bukayo doesn’t do mad skills, he’s just very direct.’
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