Former England winger Chris Waddle claims Arsenal star Bukayo Saka could be a top-class performer and improve to reach that status by being a more clinical goal scorer. Former Egypt captain Mohamed Salah is the perfect model in this regard.
Saka was a central figure in helping the Gunners claim the Premier League title after 22 long years of waiting, but he was only able to find the net seven times in the Premier League during the 2025-26 campaign.
The 24-year-old has bagged 13 league goals in the last two seasons-a tally which, according to Waddle, is too few for the quality he possesses, especially with how much possession his team enjoys.
Speaking to GOAL, Waddle admitted Saka had a brilliant season and was able to outwit many players, but the England international has to become more assertive in front of goal.
According to the ex-Tottenham and England man, the winger should be more like Salah in terms of positioning and instinct when trying to score a goal. While admitting that both Liverpool and Arsenal have very different playing styles, he mentioned how Salah always has the ability to occupy dangerous spaces in the penalty box and is never scared to shoot when the opportunity presents itself.
Waddle also claims that Saka could also be much better at anticipating attacks on the back post when Arsenal are on the other side, and he would eventually get many more goals.
This all comes with England taking part in a World Cup where Saka is still seen as the main attacking threat.
Waddle was critical of the decision by England to call up Saka’s Arsenal teammate Noni Madueke instead of West Ham skipper Jarrod Bowen. The ex-Tottenham man compared Bowen’s goal-scoring prowess and consistency to his rival for a place and feels the Hammers’ winger could have easily been selected instead of Madueke.
Despite his doubts over some calls in the England squad, Saka is still one of the main threats in the Three Lions squad and at Arsenal in the forthcoming campaign.
