Thierry Henry has revealed that he didn’t rate Bukayo Saka while he was in Arsenal’s academy.
Saka has become one of Arsenal’s most important players and was on the score sheet for the Gunners as they beat Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on Tuesday evening.
He has been at the club since he was seven years old, and worked his way through the academy age groups before becoming a senior member of the squad.
According to Arsenal legend Henry, however, nothing about Saka caught the eye when he was trying to make it to the big time.
Speaking on CBS Sports’ Champions League coverage, Henry discussed Saka’s rise through the ranks and how he views him as a somewhat late bloomer in the game.Â
Thierry Henry has revealed that Bukayo Saka (pictured) did not impress him while in the Arsenal academy
Saka, who was in the academy while Henry (left) was a coach, has gone onto become one of Arsenal’s best players
Henry said that he ‘didn’t think he would be that good’ based on his showing at the academy
‘I saw him at the academy and I didn’t think he would be that good,’ Henry admitted. ‘I’ll be honest with you
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.’
Saka has made 235 appearances for Arsenal to date, netting 60 goals since making his full first team debut in late 2018.
Now 23, he is an Emirates regular and arguably one of the club’s most important players, and is one of many names who have either came through or are coming through the ranks.
The likes of Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly are among the next group of Hale End graduates the club hope will be able to kick on and secure regular spots in the first team.
Saka joined Arsenal at seven years old and is now a key player – pictured, playing for the Under-15 team
Henry, meanwhile, last played for Arsenal in 2012 but began coaching in the academy in 2015 while Saka was making his way through the ranks.Â
Saka spoke to Henry and Co before Tuesday’s game, and was asked by the Frenchman how important winning the Premier League title is to him and his team-mates.
‘I don’t want to put too much pressure on us but I do think that this is the year,’ he said. ‘I think we’ve been close the last two years and we’re getting closer, but this hopefully will be the year.’
