“People laughed at me years ago when i said he will become a world class player, some even called me a mad person”- Arsenal icon Ian Wright says Arsenal’s ‘generational talent’ is now proving the haters wrong
“People laughed at me years ago when i said he will become a world class player, some even called me a mad person”- Arsenal icon Ian Wright says Arsenal’s ‘generational talent’ is now proving the haters wrong
When he first broke into Arsenal’s first team, the club was going through a rough patch, and many critics and fans failed to see his potential, Bukayo Saka has emerged as one of the world’s top football talents, but his journey to recognition has not been straightforward.
From the outset, Arsenal legend Ian Wright saw something special in Saka. He praised the young winger, calling him a “generational talent.” At that time, Wright’s high praise was met with skepticism and even ridicule. Many thought he was overestimating Saka’s abilities.
Fast forward a few years, and Ian Wright’s early faith in Saka has been fully justified. Saka has not only become a key player for Arsenal but also established himself as one of the brightest stars in international football.
Wright discussed Saka’s remarkable development on the Handbrake Off Podcast. He recalled the reaction when Saka was given Arsenal’s iconic number 7 shirt—a significant honor at the club.
“I remember when he first got the number 7 and we did a piece about it. Bukayo is someone we’ve been talking about from an Arsenal perspective. I remember saying he was a generational talent and people laughed at me, saying I was too close to it,” Wright shared. “But when you watch him, you see not only is he a fantastically talented player, he’s a very intelligent player in the way he plays, and it’s all about the team.”
Saka’s rise hasn’t been without its challenges. Breaking into a struggling Arsenal side was tough enough, but he also faced significant setbacks, notably the heartache of missing a crucial penalty in the Euro 2020 final. Despite these obstacles, Saka has consistently demonstrated resilience and an ability to learn and grow from every experience.
Today, Saka is recognized as one of the best players in the world. His combination of skill, intelligence, and team-first mentality sets him apart. If he continues on his current trajectory, he could not only be remembered as one of the greatest players of his generation but also as one of the finest English footballers of all time.
Ian Wright’s early belief in Saka might have seemed premature to some, but it has been vindicated. Saka’s talent and character have proven Wright right, turning the laughter of doubters into applause from admirers around the globe.
