Evening Standard
·21 October 2024
Evening Standard
·21 October 2024
The right-back saw firsthand the youngster’s rise to prominence
Hector Bellerin believes Bukayo Saka is already one of the world's best players, and will only get better.
The Arsenal star, 23, has come through the ranks in north London, playing alongside the former Gunners right-back in the process, to become one of the most exciting talents in the Premier League.
Bellerin saw firsthand Saka's progression from rookie left-back to fearsome winger, and underlined just how highly thought of the England forward is considered.
"I think that [Arsenal] are a relatively young squad with young players that have a lot of presence, but are still a few years away from their prime.
It's crazy to say that Bukayo Saka might be a few years away from his prime still. He’s not in his prime and he's probably already better than 99% of players at their prime."
He added: "I was part of the squad when he started to train with the first team and you see how he's improved, how he enjoys football."
Bellerin in 2022 left Arsenal after 11 years for a move to Barcelona, and now finds himself back at Real Betis, but still keeps tabs on the Gunners.
He said: “I try to watch them every week and if I can’t watch the game, I’ll watch the highlights and I try to keep in touch with some of the players. I’ve been thinking that I really want – if there’s ever a weekend off – to go and watch a game and be back at the stadium as well.
View publisher imprint“I used to love playing at the Emirates at 3 o'clock, on a sunny Saturday in August or September. I’m always going to be very attached to the club and I wish them all the success in the world because I truly feel that they deserve it.”