Former Arsenal captain Robin van Persie has likened Bukayo Saka’s assist for Alexandre Lacazette to the quality of Ryan Giggs, Dennis Bergkamp, and Paul Scholes after victory over Olympiacos.
The Gunners have one foot in the last 16 of the Europa League after Lacazette ended a frustrating night by tucking home a late winner in Athens.
The France international ended a nine-game scoring drought off the bench against Newcastle at the weekend and returned to the starting line-up in Piraeus to hit the winner in a 1-0 victory for the Gunners.
Lacazette had earlier been guilty of missing the best chance of the night before he turned home Saka’s cross with nine minutes remaining.
And Van Persie, who was in Greece as a pundit, watched the 18-year-old with glee, comparing Saka to some of the Premier League’s most creative players in history.
“Ryan Giggs used to give those passes, Dennis Bergkamp, Paul Scholes,” said the former Dutch international while appearing as a pundit on BT Sport.
“This is like ordering your striker to move into the danger zone. It’s actually world-class. Really, really good.
“This is not simple. This is very good, world-class. He makes it look easy but this pass – like I said, only the great players can give those passes.
“Most crosses there would be kicked away by the defender and would be shot too high or too low with no idea.
“But this is a pass with an idea. This is a pass with a message, and that is what you want from your players.”
Saka is an attacking player by trade, with Unai Emery giving him an opportunity earlier on this season as a winger.
But injuries to Sead Kolasinac and Kieran Tierney have forced Mikel Arteta to adapt and the former Netherland’s striker heaped praise on the Spaniard for his bravery.
Van Persie has also been impressed with how the teenager, who is currently locked in contract negotiations, has seized his opportunity.
The Dutchman added: “He’s really taking his chance, and that’s nice to see from a young kid to really grab his chance and play for his future.
“And he’s doing it so well. It’s so nice to see.”
