Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has expressed profound admiration for Bukayo Saka, who has emerged as one of the club’s brightest talents despite not being a standout in his youth.
Henry, Arsenal’s all-time leading scorer, coached Saka during his early days but admitted the young winger didn’t initially catch his attention.
“People talked a lot about Chris Willock, Reiss Nelson, and Donyell Malen, but Bukayo was just… yeah, he’s good,” Henry shared with BBC Sport. “That’s why I have mad respect for him. He wasn’t the talk of the academy, but look where he is now.”
Saka’s transformation has been remarkable. From playing as a versatile wing-back to becoming a critical attacking force for Arsenal, he now pairs with Martin Odegaard to lead the team’s offense.
Henry admires Saka’s evolution, highlighting his ability to contribute both goals and assists, as well as his confidence in taking penalties.
However, Henry believes there’s still room for growth. In a recent conversation with Saka, the Frenchman challenged him to improve his free-kicks to add another dimension to his game.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta shares a similar belief in Saka’s importance, with the 23-year-old set to play a key role against Monaco in the Champions League.
Arteta commended Monaco’s strong form, emphasizing the need for Arsenal to rise to the challenge against well-organized and dangerous opposition.
Saka’s rise from an overlooked academy prospect to one of England and Arsenal’s key players epitomizes determination and development—a story that continues to inspire fans and teammates alike.