This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…
Unai Emery has been speaking about Bukayo Saka and Nicolas Pepe ahead of Arsenal’s match against Burnley, as reported on the club’s official channels.
What did he say?
During the press conference, Emery spoke about attacking duo Saka and Pepe, discussing the progress they have made under him this season.
He started off by complimenting the teenager for his performances: “We know we are taking one responsibility with the young players, but the young players need one process to achieve that responsibility and their performance in the team, but we are helping them.
“For example, it’s very good news for me about how we are improving Bukayo Saka, but he needs to play, play and play to take more confidence and experience to achieve his future we think he has.”
While there was also an appreciation for how Pepe has done, the comments seemed more reserved from the Spaniard when speaking about the record signing: “Pepe is coming, but with Pepe it’s also an adaptation that he’s doing little-by-little better, but also he needs more because it’s not easy for him.”
Comparison of the two
Pepe is the man who has had a greater impact of the pair, but the fact that Saka is being spoken about in a similar way to the Ivorian shows just how well the 18-year-old is currently doing.
While Pepe outdoes the Englishman in each of the above categories, it can be said that Saka is the one exceeding expectations.
Both players have been helped by the Europa League this campaign, with the teenager having got a goal and assist against Eintracht Frankfurt, while Pepe has 2 goals and 2 assists from the ties against Vitoria de Guimaraes.
There could eventually be a battle between the pair for places in the side, so it will be interesting to see who comes out on top if it does come to that.
The fact no fee was parted with for Saka alleviates the weight of pressure from his shoulders in comparison with £72m Pepe, and that could ultimately influence Emery’s assessment of the two players.
Indeed, the suggestion that Saka’s development is “very good news” suggests he is meeting or even exceeding his manager’s expectations.
With the Leicester game a must-win for Arsenal, by Emery’s own admission, it could be telling to see who he puts his trust into.
