“Play him upfront as a number 9, he will bang you more goals than Eddie and Jesus combined”- Manchester United Legend. Ryan Giggs tells Mikel Arteta to play his 22-year-old defender as a striker and forget about Gabriel Jesus, Eddie Nketiah, and even Trossard.
Ryan Giggs proposes a solution to Arsenal’s goal-scoring challenges, suggesting that the 22-year-old striker, formerly a defender, should be positioned upfront. The club, grappling with a mere five goals in their last five games, faces the imperative task of enhancing their clinical finishing.
Amidst speculation about recruiting a new striker in the January transfer window, Leroy Rosenior, appearing on Premier League Productions, offers an alternative perspective. He advocates for playing Bukayo Saka upfront, asserting his competence in the role.
In agreement with this idea, Giggs, in a press conference, points out the perceived shortcomings of other strikers and advocates for trying Saka in that position, drawing parallels to Liverpool’s flexible use of Salah.
However, there are reservations about this proposition. Despite Saka’s versatility, some argue that his qualities might not align with those typically expected of a striker. Notably, his lack of physicality and a tendency not to exploit space behind the defense are cited as concerns.
Acknowledging Saka’s excellence as a player, particularly on the wings, where he excels at beating defenders, delivering crosses, and taking potent shots, there is a sentiment that his best position remains on the right wing.
While acknowledging Saka’s remarkable development from a left-back to a potential striker, there is a prevailing sentiment that deploying him in his optimal position, on the right wing, would maximize his contribution to the team.