Bukayo Saka. A first-class footballer, and more importantly a first-class bloke.
He warmed the nation’s hearts during Euro 2020, which came to a devastating end as his saved penalty contributed to England’s defeat to Italy in the final at Wembley.
A lesser mortal would’ve let such a crushing moment define his career, but not this player. Saka’s made of stronger stuff.
The forward continued to feature regularly for the Three Lions and is a key member of an Arsenal side who are being talked up as genuine Premier League title contenders this season.
Saka started the World Cup splendidly as his two goals helped England seal an emphatic 6-2 win over Iran in their opening match. He also rounded off their 3-0 win over Senegal with a delicate chip that any of the world’s top strikers would be proud of.
Yet it’s his kindly mannerisms off the pitch which endears Saka to his teammates and England football fans as a whole.
From his tentative request for a picture with David Beckham to his hilarious spelling bees with Jack Grealish, everyone loves Saka and needs someone like the him in their lives.
“If you haven’t seen a clip of him asking David Beckham for a picture… you’ll fall in love with him,” England and Arsenal teammate Aaron Ramsdale told talkSPORT.
“I don’t need to say much more. The nicest, the most humble kid. Polite as anything, been brought up the right way.
“That’s what he’s like, he’s funny. I think everyone’s spoken about the same sort of things. I see it day in, day out and it doesn’t change with the cameras or because it’s England, he’s like that with every member of staff at Arsenal and here.
“He’s just that perfect boy which you wish will either be your son or your brother who’s just been brought up the right way. It’s a massive testament to his mum and dad.”
“He’s just a genuinely nice guy. He’s a young lad who’s got a big career ahead of him, the world’s his oyster,” Three Lions striker Callum Wilson added.
“He’s so talented but also he’s so, so humble as well. He’s always smiling, always laughing, always happy.
“The first time I’ve met him is in this camp. I get on with him like a house on fire, he’s like a little brother to me.
“He’s a nice lad and an asset to the squad definitely.”
talkSPORT World Cup 2022 Coverage
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