“There’s nothing you can do about it.” Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka presented harsh advice in Mbappe and Neymar comparison

“There’s nothing you can do about it.” Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka presented harsh advice in Mbappe and Neymar comparison

Emmanuel Petit has warned Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka that there is nothing he can do about the rough treatment he has received from rival Premier League players.

Saka admitted that he requested greater protection from referee Andy Madley during Arsenal’s 1-0 win against Aston Villa at the weekend because he thought he was being watched.

“I wasn’t complaining to the ref but I just wanted to let him know that that’s my game, running at players with pace,” the 20-year-old told BT Sport after the match. “And sometimes I need a bit more protection when players are purposefully trying to kick me.”

Saka’s accusations were eventually rejected by Villa manager Steven Gerrard, who reminded the teenager that roughness was a part of football.
“It’s part of the game,” Gerrard said. “The last time I checked it’s not a no-contact sport. I think tackles are allowed – physicality’s allowed. He’s a good player, he’s an outstanding talent and I love him. But he can’t complain about that side. That’s football.”

Petit, a former Arsenal legend, has now suggested that Saka get used to the physical aspect of Premier League play. 

And the 1998 World Cup winner has compared the winger’s predicament to that of PSG combo Neymar and Kylian Mbappe.

“Bukayo Saka has become a target for Premier League sides, but Steven Gerrard is correct to say ‘get used to it,’” Petit told Lord Ping. “Both of them [are right]. That’s the Premier League and we have the same in France with Mbappe and with Neymar. When you have an artist on the pitch, of course you want to protect them.

“Bukayo Saka has been a huge target for the opponents and this is why most of the time opponents keep their eyes on him, because he’s a danger. I can understand his frustrations sometimes because it’s too much – but this is the Premier League and there’s nothing you can do about it.”

Saka has been a revelation for Arsenal since breaking into the team as a teenager almost three years ago. 

He has now made 121 appearances for the north Londoners and has 14 England caps to his name.

If he can maintain his current form, the deft attacker has the potential to become one of the best players in Premier League history.

However, Arsenal may have a battle to keep him as a number of other Premier League clubs appear to be anxious to get him.

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“There’s nothing you can do about it.” Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka presented harsh advice in Mbappe and Neymar comparison