Saka’s consistency at the top level is exceptional for someone so young
five months ago. His absence up to that point seemed as if by technicality. He was a Champions League player without Champions League appearances, owing of course toThe great magic of Saka – and, probably the explanation for the above – is that he doesn’t seem to really have form. Instead, just a gently undulating wave of extreme overachievement. In December, there was some suggestion that Saka’s output had slumped at Arsenal, which equated to no goals or assists in four league matches.
One theory is that this is a product of Saka’s simplicity as a player. There is prodigious skill, of course, but it’s all used to aid the very serious business of skipping past a full-back and pulling back a pass or cutting inside and shooting. That innocence occasionally produces an effect that makes Saka appear deeply surprised by all of the fuss, like he has been woken up in the middle of a dream only to find life replicating it. This was best reflected in his reaction to the wall of support that Arsenal created with messages from supporters after the Euro 2020 final.
Perhaps it is his faith or his upbringing. Perhaps it is simply a deep gratitude. But it is a great talent to understand the difference you make and yet treat it as nothing.He has missed a penalty in a major tournament for England. He has dealt with grotesque racist abuse on multiple occasions. He has played a frankly obscene amount of football, 245 career matches at the age of 22 and five months.