The murmurs are growing louder: is Bukayo Saka, Arsenal's golden boy, genuinely hitting his scoring peak? Despite Arsenal's recent title triumph, a former England maestro believes the young winger still has a significant gear to find, especially in front of goal.
Key Talking Points:
- Football pundit Chris Waddle asserts Bukayo Saka must increase his goal output to reach elite status.
- Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah is held up as the benchmark for clinical wing play.
- Debate over Jarrod Bowen's England World Cup snub as Saka's backup continues.
- Saka remains a pivotal figure for England, expected to start the tournament opener against Croatia.
The Burning Question: Saka's Goal Contribution
Bukayo Saka has been a talismanic figure for Arsenal, a product of their famed Hale End academy. However, his goal numbers have fluctuated. After a career-best 16 goals in the 2023-24 season, his tally dipped to just 7 in 2025-26, a season where Arsenal clinched the Premier League title, and 6 the campaign prior. This inconsistency is drawing attention.
Former England international Chris Waddle didn't mince words, suggesting Saka possesses immense talent but needs to refine his finishing. "He needs to work hard on his right, to go on the outside and not be frightened of crossing it," Waddle stated, emphasizing the need for versatility against deep-lying defenses.
Unleashing the Inner Predator: Emulating Salah's Instinct
In modern football, space is a luxury. Top teams like Arsenal often face opponents that 'park the bus,' limiting creative outlets for players like Saka. Waddle believes the solution lies in his movement off the ball, urging him to become a true poacher.
"He's got to find a way of getting in the box when the ball's down the left-hand side... he's got to be at that back stick coming in and he will pick up more goals," Waddle elaborated. For inspiration, he points directly to Liverpool's Mohamed Salah. Salah, despite playing a similar wide forward role, consistently racks up goals through sheer willingness to attack the box and take chances. His fearlessness in shooting with his left foot is a blueprint for Saka.
England's Right-Wing Dilemma: Bowen's Snub
The debate extends beyond Arsenal to the international stage. With Saka earmarked for England's right flank at the upcoming 2026 World Cup, the choice of backup has raised eyebrows. Noni Madueke, a club colleague of Saka's, appears to have the nod despite a modest three Premier League goals and often a substitute role.
This decision comes at the expense of Jarrod Bowen, the West Ham captain who has been a consistent goal threat, bagging 38 top-flight goals over the last three seasons. Waddle expressed surprise at Bowen's exclusion: "Jarrod Bowen gets you goals. He's proved that over the last two or three seasons at West Ham... he is a little bit like Mo Salah in the way he plays."
World Cup Spotlight: Saka's Crucial Role
As England under Thomas Tuchel fine-tunes its preparations for the World Cup opener against Croatia on June 17th, Saka's presence is considered a certainty. With 14 goals in 49 senior international appearances, he's a key provider of ammunition for talismanic striker Harry Kane.
However, the message from pundits like Waddle is clear: to truly ascend to the pantheon of global elite wingers, Saka must not only create but also consistently convert. The challenge is laid down for Arsenal's star to become a more prolific goal-scorer for both club and country.
