adminTony Cascarino has come out strongly in support of Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka, suggesting the England international has unfairly become a “scapegoat” despite performing with remarkable consistency.
Saka has once again found himself under scrutiny over his England displays, but Cascarino feels the criticism aimed at the 25-year-old ignores both his attacking contributions and the effort he puts in off the ball.
Speaking on talkSPORT, the former Chelsea striker pointed to Saka’s impressive start to the season with Arsenal as proof that worries about his form are unfounded.
“Saka’s done brilliant, he’s 25 years old, he’s had an amazing time,” Cascarino said.
“The only time I’ve seen him really not play his best football is when he was recovering from injury.
“He started this season with three goals in five games for Arsenal, so he’s in really good form.
“I feel like Saka’s become a little bit of a scapegoat. I think he is a huge bonus for England.”
Saka remains a key player for Thomas Tuchel, who named the Arsenal academy graduate in his squad for the current Nations League international window.
The England manager highlighted that importance when talking about his right-back options, noting that the link with Saka is one factor in deciding who plays behind him.
Cascarino also argued that the tactical demands placed on modern wingers are often overlooked when judging individual performances.
He said wide players depend on their full-backs and now carry far greater defensive duties than those in the position once did.
Cascarino went on to call Saka underrated because his work rate rarely dips, adding that the Arsenal star consistently puts in a “really hard shift”.
Saka’s international record backs up Cascarino’s argument, with the winger going into the September-October internationals on 56 England caps and 17 goals.
He also delivered one of his best England performances at this summer’s World Cup, scoring a hat-trick in a 6-4 win over France that secured third place for the Three Lions.
That made Saka only the second England player after Sir Geoff Hurst to score a hat-trick in a World Cup knockout match.
Cascarino believes that record should carry real weight when judging Saka’s England place.
“The biggest thing you can — why the best players are the best players — is the consistency level they set,” he added.
“I think he’s been pretty consistent. I mean, considering he is 25. What he has done for England and Arsenal is ridiculously good.”
For Arsenal, Cascarino’s view reflects the consistency Saka has shown while becoming one of the club’s most important players under Mikel Arteta.
His influence for both club and country means Cascarino sees little reason to question whether Saka should keep his place in England’s starting lineup.
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