Arsenal starlet Bukayo Saka has established himself as one of Europe’s best right-wingers over the last few years, keeping up the pace with Harry Kane in one area

In Saturday’s Premier League match at the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal defeated Burnley 3-1. Leandro Trossard’s close-range strike on the verge of halftime broke the deadlock for Mikel Arteta’s team, who had dominated the game in north London.

But in the second half, Josh Brownhill’s deflected shot caught Gunners goalkeeper David Raya off guard, allowing the Clarets to tie the score. William Saliba’s header gave Arsenal the lead again, though, and Oleksandr Zinchenko’s stunning volley for the last goal sealed all three points, moving Arteta and company over local rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the standings.

Trossard’s aforementioned finish was set up by right-winger Bukayo Saka, his 14th direct goal contribution of the campaign across all competitions, a feat that is even more impressive when you consider that the Hale End academy graduate is still only 22 years old.

In fact, Saka’s latest assist has put him in an exclusive club with former Spurs frontman Harry Kane as the only two players to have scored or assisted against every Premier League team they have faced (excluding players who have played against just one side), as per Opta.

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It is further evidence that the England international has established himself as one of the most consistent performing wingers in Europe, having provided a combined 25 goals and assists in the league last term, helping the Gunners to a second-placed finish for the first time since 2016. Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has even mentioned the young attacker’s leadership qualities, hailing his teammate’s evolution in that regard.

Writing in his captain’s notes for the matchday programme on Saturday, Odegaard said: “It’s been really frustrating for me to miss the last couple of games, and also that last league game here, the 5-0 win over Sheffield United. Bukayo took the armband for that game – the first time he’s been Arsenal captain I think – and we can all see that he is adding leadership to his long list of qualities.

“I’ve seen it for a while to be honest, I’m not surprised he’s developing like this. I’m really happy for him, because he deserves it.

“I think he’s a bit like me in that he’s not the one who shouts the most, or the loudest one in the dressing room. But he’s so intelligent, he’s always available, he gives everything for the team and he’s taking more and more responsibility on and off the pitch.

“He really deserves to be there as one of the captains, I’m proud of him and happy to have him as a teammate, because he’s a great player and also a great person.”