Bukayo Saka has been told he isn’t as good as Jeremy Doku by one former Arsenal star. (Image: Getty)
Arsenal legend Robert Pires has shunned Gunners star Bukayo Saka in favour of Premier League title rival and fellow winger Jeremy Doku.
Pires, who was part of the Arsenal Invincibles team, claimed the Manchester City man is a better player than the Arsenal fan favourite.
The much-loved attacker broke through the ranks at Arsenal as a teenager and has gone on to establish himself as one of the Premier League’s best wingers.
Just last year Saka registered an impressive 20 goals and 14 assists across all competitions, helping Arsenal reach the Champions League quarter-final and finish second in the table behind Pep Guardiola’s City.
But, according to Pires, that isn’t enough to be rated higher than Belgium international Doku.
When quizzed by Wettbasis about who the superior wide man is, Pires replied: “Bukayo still lacks a certain level of consistency and experience, especially in the big games.
“Perhaps this season, especially in the Champions League, he will show a more convincing face than last season when it counts.
“For example, in my opinion Jeremy Doku from Manchester City is a bit better because he is technically stronger, has better dribbling skills and is more imaginative.”
Based on stats alone, it’s a non-starter, with Saka coming out on top in most areas.
Robert Pires believes Doku is a superior player to Saka. (Image: Getty)
Saka scored four fewer goals last season than Doku has managed in his entire career. (Image: Getty)
Saka’s combined G/A tally of 34 from last term is 16 more than Doku registered for City in the same time span.
What’s more, the 20 goals Saka netted during the 2023/24 campaign is just four fewer than Doku has managed across his entire professional career.
Needless to say Arsenal fans were left raging by the decision, with several taking to social media to vent their frustration.
Posting on X, @GanFootball said: “Am I the only one that finds this disrespectful to Saka?”
@O_igggy added: “Doku is better at beating his marker hands down, but Saka is a better all round player especially when it comes to decision making.”
Jeremy Doku arrived at Man City last summer. (Image: Getty)
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@Untd59 chimed in with: “Even Doku himself won’t believe this!”
The debate could be settled next weekend when Guardiola’s City come up against title hopefuls Arsenal in an early-season showdown at the Etihad Stadium.
Before that though, Mikel Arteta’s side will have to negotiate a tough-looking test away to rivals Tottenham Hotspur, with Arsenal in the midst of a mini-injury crisis.
Both Mikel Merino and Martin Odegaard are out injured, while fellow midfield ace Declan Rice is missing through suspension.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1948039/arsenal-robert-pires-bukayo-saka-jeremy-doku