Can Bukayo Saka Continue to Drive Arsenal’s Success Post-Euros?
The demanding life of a professional footballer, both physically and mentally, often goes unnoticed by the general public. Despite living in what seems like a protective bubble, the pressures and strains on these athletes are immense.
Bukayo Saka, a key player for both Arsenal and the England national team, exemplifies this dual responsibility. Yet, the question arises: is Saka pushing himself too far?
Recently, Saka withdrew from England’s friendlies against Brazil and Belgium at Wembley in late March, citing an unspecified injury. The details of this injury remain unclear, but he returned to play for Arsenal soon after the international break, finishing the season strongly.
This decision sparked speculation. Was Saka prioritizing Arsenal’s title chase over national duty, or was he struggling to balance both commitments? Ultimately, Arsenal fell short, losing the Premier League title to Manchester City on the final day of the season.
Saka’s dedication to his club is undeniable. Last season, he played in almost every Premier League match (35 out of 38) and has been consistently present in all games over the past two seasons.
This level of commitment is rare, even among the most esteemed players. For instance, Manchester City’s star striker Erling Haaland, has not matched Saka’s game count since joining the English league.
Over the last two seasons, Saka has featured in over 100 matches, including his duties with the England team. In contrast, Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi, who played a full 90 minutes for England in their 1-0 victory over Serbia in the Euros 2024 opener, took three seasons to accumulate just over 100 games for his club. Similarly, Liverpool and England’s pivotal defender, Trent Alexander-Arnold, played fewer Premier League matches last season (28) than Saka, who rarely gets a break.
Since Mikel Arteta took the reins at Arsenal in late 2020, Saka has been an indispensable part of the team. He has barely had any rest, balancing domestic and international duties, including the 2020 Euros and the 2022 World Cup.
Despite the relentless schedule, Saka has consistently performed at a high level. However, the upcoming Euros could be a turning point. Depending on how far England progresses, Saka might face physical and mental fatigue that could impact his performance in the following season.
There’s a saying that all good things must come to an end. For Bukayo Saka and Arsenal fans, the hope is that his remarkable form and resilience will continue unabated, at least for the foreseeable future.
