Jose Mourinho heaps praise on England star Bukayo Saka

AS Roma manager Jose Mourinho surprisingly spoke a few kind words about Arsenal star Bukayo Saka. Usually very critical of the Gunners, Mourinho has probably for the first time heaped praise about an Arsenal player.

The 19-year-old who got the call to play against the Czech Republic ahead of Sancho and Rashford proved his worth. The Arsenal starlet was impressive in the group decider. He showcased his abilities on the international level for the first time in a major tournament.

The youngster can play in numerous positions has a calm demeanor and has a bright future ahead. He does not let himself be affected by the negative aspects of life and only seems to look ahead.

He is a skillful and hardworking lad who puts the team ahead instead of himself which is very rare to see in today’s world. Arsenal are very lucky to have such a player in their squad.

Southgate’s initial decision of restricting Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford to the bench was criticized by fans. The inclusion of Saka in the starting XI also was under scrutiny. With many fans calling out the England manager on social media sites and calling him a ‘Sunday League Manager’. But it seems Southgate was right in his decision about Saka.

Saka silenced his haters by giving a man of the match performance against the Czech. Only his 3rd start for his national team, he didn’t seem like a 19-year-old on the pitch. He was the main difference between the two teams. The youngster completed 5 dribbles in the match, more than double compared to second position Marcus Rashford (2).

Saka has Jose Mourinho head over heels over him

Jose Mourinho in an interview with talkSPORT before the game between England and the Czech Republic heaped praise about the Arsenal star. Mourinho explained Southgate’s decision by making some points on Saka and why he was chosen to start.

“It’s not about young or old,” he said. “It’s about quality, talent, personality, and experience.

“The guy is young but has experience at a big club and the best league in the world. I believe he is very talented, very confident, he can play in many positions. Of course, people speak about Sancho and Rashford, there are so many good players. But I truly believe in Saka because I think he’s a very good boy.”

Saka already has almost 100 starts for Arsenal and now after making his nation proud on the International level is bound to attract interest from some big clubs. Arsenal will have to start thinking about his future and tie him down to the club in the coming years. The Englishman has a contract with the Gunners until 2024.

Anyway, with this MOTM performance against the Czech Republic, he has paid off the trust placed him in by Southgate. He will also be in contention to start England’s round of 16 ties against Germany. Let’s see whether England Manager Southgate will stick to Saka or make another change for the big game on 29th June.