Bukayo Saka has enjoyed plenty of praise during his rise from Arsenal academy graduate to the Gunners golden boy, but leadership is rarely a quality attributed to him.
Despite showing remarkable maturity that defies his 22 years, when you think of the leaders within the current Arsenal crop there are other names that spring to mind. Captain Martin Odegaard, midfield maestro Declan Rice or the dominant defensive duo of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes are all arguably more obvious contenders for the title of 'leader'.
However, young Gunners prospect Charlie Patino has made clear that Saka is someone who commands respect in the dressing room and explained how the England ace has already dished out advice to younger talents despite being so early into his own career.
Speaking to Sky Bet, current Swansea loanee Patino opened up on his own taste of first-team action at Arsenal and shed light on who offered him some words of wisdom when he needed it most. He discussed what it was like to train with the senior stars at just 17 years of age before naming some of the most helpful influences.
"On the pitch, Granit Xhaka, Martin Odegaard, and even Bukayo Saka - he was still young, but I still went up to him because he followed the pathway that I ultimately want to follow.
"It was good for me to go and speak to him and get some information from him. Everyone was helpful when I was training with them, and when I did something nice, they were really encouraging but if I messed up, they just said ‘don't worry, get on with it - forget about it and go again’. I think that time with the first team was beneficial."
Saka has taken on more responsibility this term for Arsenal and actually donned the captain's armband for the first time during October's 5-0 win over Sheffield United.
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After that clash, he could barely hide his delight at being named skipper as Saka told reporters: "I don’t really know how to describe it beamed.
"You know me and you know where I’ve come from: the academy. To be at the front, leading the boys out today was just unbelievable. I’m lost for words - it’s hard to describe this feeling. It’s just amazing."
If Patino can follow in the footsteps of Saka and produce even half of what the winger has by his age, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta may not need to fork out a huge transfer fee on another expensive midfield addition in the summer.
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