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Former Chelsea ace Joe Cole points out similarities between Lionel Messi and Bukayo Saka.
Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka was the subject of high praise by Chelsea legend Joe Cole, who likened the youngster to Lionel Messi.
The 22-year-old is on the ascension to superstardom if he has not already arrived and has been one of the best players on the right-offensive side of the pitch in recent seasons, an area Messi favoured for a good portion of his career.
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19:03 - 09.09.2023
Ukraine 1-1 England: Saka, Belingham quiet as Southgate's men settle for unispiring draw
Gareth Southgate's England were held to a 1-1 draw by Ukraine in their Euro 2024 qualifier at the Tarczyński Arena in Wrocław.
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21:00 - 06.09.2023
FOOTBALL Bukayo Saka among Premier League stars shining in 2023 Ballon d'Or nominees list
Bukayo Saka earns recognition among Premier League stars on the prestigious Ballon d'Or 2023 nominees list, showcasing his outstanding talent.
Saka's exploits have seen a spate of awards come his way in the past two years, including the PFA Young Player of the Year and multiple English Footballer of the Year gongs.
What Joe Cole said
The Hale End academy graduate was in action for England today in their European Championship qualifiers against Ukraine, and his performance has left former international Joe Cole fawning.
Saka failed to score, assist, or even propel England to maximum points, but he was a constant threat to defenders, enough to earn him a comparison with Messi, as Cole says they share a similarity in the way they avoid their markers.
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“You can’t defend [against Saka] because he’s got this ability like Lionel Messi where he takes it backwards,” Cole said, per Metro UK.
“So the defender, you can stop him, but he takes it back, and he’s still got the ability to whip it with so much power.
“There are only a few [players]—Mo Salah’s got it, Lionel Messi’s got it and Bukayo Saka’s got it. When he gets in that position, he’s clinical.”
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