Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka reveals that personal praise and criticism from Thierry Henry is making him a better player
Arsenal attacking midfielder Bukayo Saka has revealed that he has a personal relationship with Gunners legend Thierry Henry, with the duo regularly in contact.
The England international was speaking to CBS Sports last night after their Champions League triumph over FC Porto, and he claimed that the personal praise and criticism he has been getting from the Frenchman are making him a better player.
While he was not at his best against a resolute Porto on Tuesday, Bukayo has been one of the best players for Arsenal and in the Premier League this term and Henry would be proud of him.
“It’s both because I need both,” the 22-year-old replied when Jamie Carragher asked which one he has been getting between praise and criticism from the former striker.
“I can’t just be praised all the time, I’m not going to improve, and he is giving me advice. I’m improving I think.”
Henry is one of the best goalscorers to ever grace the game, and he knows a thing or two about finding the back on the net constantly having scored the most goals (228) for Arsenal.
The Gunners’ all-time top goalscorer also weighed in with 103 assists over the 337 appearances he made for the North Londoners, and Saka could do with his regular advice.
The youngster already has 54 goals and 55 assists in 216 games for Arsenal and will be hoping to surpass the achievements of Henry in the Gunners shirt.
He is on his way and ending this season with silverware will be a good way to continue.
Arsenal are Premier League leaders with ten games remaining, and Saka will need to hit top gear if they are to win their first league title since 2004.
He has already bagged 13 league goals and eight assists after ending last term with 14 league goals and 11 assists, and he needs to step things up given the fierce competition in the three-horse race for the title this term.
Arsenal have never won the Champions League and will have to do better in the quarter-final to move a step closer to achieving their dreams.
