THIERRY Henry admits Bukayo Saka didn’t wow him in the Arsenal academy – but has since forced him to eat humble pie.
The Gunners legend made the admission during an appearance on CBS’ Champions League preview show.
Henry joined host Kate Scott and fellow analysts Michah Richards and Jamie Carragher for Tuesday’s games.
Saka was in action for Arsenal as they welcomed Paris Saint-Germain to the Emirates.
The Three Lions star was on the scoresheet as the Gunners cruised to a 2-0 victory.
But Henry stunned the panel – and fans at home – by admitting he’d initially overlooked the 23-year-old’s potential.
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Henry said: “I saw him at the academy and I didn’t think he would be that good, I’ll be honest with you.”
Henry went on to praise “humble” Saka’s incredible work ethic, highlighting his tireless efforts in different positions at Euro 2024.
He continued: “When you work, you have that work ethic, and you have a good family behind you, it’s very important.
“He makes the job easier for everyone.”
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One fan responded: “Well, that’s high praise considering Henry’s credibility.”
Another said: “His humbleness considering his exposure, expectation and no doubt wealth is something he should be rightfully proud of. He carried our club when he was a teen.”
While a third added: “A second glance often reveals unexpected talent, doesn’t it? Thierry recognizing worth.”
Ahead of Henry’s comments, Saka joined the CBS crew to discuss the game and Arsenal’s season.
And the Gunners winger confidently declared the club’s two-decade wait for a Premier League title could soon be over.
Henry asked: “Do you think it is important this year to win the title?”
Arsenal ratings vs PSG as Havertz makes striker spot his own… but Calafiori shows chinks in his armour
KAI HAVERTZ and Bukayo Saka sent Arsenal to a deserved victory borne of first-half dominance.
Paris Saint-Germain did hit the bar and the post as they improved after the break in this Champions League tie.
But Emirates chief Mikel Arteta will mostly be delighted with his side’s latest solid display in Europe’s top club competition.
Here’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated the Gunners at the Emirates on Tuesday.
DAVID RAYA – 7
Was perhaps busier than he usually is at home.
Helplessly watched a Nuno Mendes effort smack his far post and stood firm to deny Achraf Hakimi at his near post.
RICCARDO CALAFIORI – 6
A frantic display, one that had more shaky moments than good. Kept busy by Hakimi and was done for pace on a few occasions but recovered well.
A mistake early in the second half almost gave PSG a way back into the game. Needs to iron out these errors from his game, particularly when he is so dangerous in attack.
However, he was playing at right-back for the first time in his career after the break.
WILLIAM SALIBA – 7
Did not have much to do. A stray pass early on could have been costly but other than that another reliable and strong performance.
GABRIEL – 7
Sprayed some nice passes about from deep but this was a stress-free night’s work compared to the Premier League.
JURRIEN TIMBER – 8
Just how on earth does Ben White get back in this side at right back? Another immaculate display from a man who seemingly has it all in defence and attack.
Well, White may well get his chance after Timber was subbed off at half-time.
DECLAN RICE – 7
Solid as a rock and building a real partnership with Partey in midfield. Had a chance to drive forward just before the half hour mark but his pass to Saka was cut out.
THOMAS PARTEY – 8
So consistent at the moment, something Arsenal fans have not seen from the Ghanaian midfielder in a long time owing mostly to injury.
Made some crucial interceptions and showed real composure playing out from deep.
LEANDRO TROSSARD – 8
One of Arsenal’s most important players right now. Since his red card at Man City, he has notched a goal and an assist – the latter here for Havertz to open the scoring with a perfectly-timed cross.
BUKAYO SAKA – 7
After an early shot over the bar from a trademark cut inside, the England international had a slight drop off in influence before his scuffed free-kick flew in untouched from out wide.
Still, he gave Mendes a torrid time at left-back. Even PSG manager Luis Enrique watched on at times in awe inside his technical area.
GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 7
A quiet night for the Brazilian following his first goal since March against Leicester, which may have been down to a big collision with Gianluigi Donnarumma in the first few minutes.
Should have made it 3-0 with a volley inside the box after the break but it was straight at Donnarumma. Unlucky not to get on the scoresheet.
KAI HAVERTZ – 9
Brave and brilliant to head in from Trossard’s teasing cross, despite the onrushing lump that is Donnarumma trying to take his head off.
Almost had an assist too with a cute lay-up for Martinelli in the box. The striker-midfield debate should be over – Havertz is a top-class centre forward.
SUBS:
JAKUB KIWIOR (TIMBER, 45) – 7
Did what was expected of him at left-back. Produced a good recovery tackle on Kang-in Lee in the box.
MIKEL MERINO (PARTEY, 64) – 7
Finally, a debut for the Spaniard. Some neat touches under pressure, slotting in seamlessly next to Rice.
GABRIEL JESUS (TROSSARD, 74) – 6
Looked desperate to impress having struggled for starts so far and that looks to be working against him – things just aren’t clicking.
MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY (SAKA, 92) – N/A
Saka replied: “I don’t want to put too much pressure on us but I do think that this is the year.
“I think we’ve been close the last two years and we’re getting closer, but this hopefully will be the year.”
And he later added in an interview with Amazon: “It’s just that spirit in me that I want to win this season and of course, I believe in myself a lot.
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“With those two things, it helps. We believe in ourselves, we believe we’re a top team. We showed that tonight.
“I did tell the boys we have to make a statement when big teams are coming to the Emirates.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
