Gabriel Jesus backs Arsenal's Bukayo Saka to reach Vinicius Junior level

Gabriel Jesus backs Arsenal's Bukayo Saka to reach Vinicius Junior level

Gabriel Jesus has insisted Bukayo Saka belongs in the same bracket as Vinicius Junior, backing his Arsenal team-mate despite a dip in numbers this season.

Saka has managed six goals and five assists in the Premier League so far, a return that would be his lowest since the 2020-21 campaign. But Jesus made it clear that statistics do not tell the full story.

"They are all the same," Jesus said when comparing Saka with elite wide players like Vinicius and Rodrygo. "Different styles, but they all have their qualities. You still need to win trophies, and this he will get."

Jesus pointed to Saka's mentality and character as key reasons why he expects him to reach that level. "I'm a big fan of Bukayo's personality. This guy is so humble. In football, it's not easy to come from the academy, become so big for the club, and stay the same person."

He added that Saka's influence stretches beyond the pitch. "I see him with the academy kids in the gym. They look at him and say, 'I want to be Saka.' That's special."

While Saka's form has been debated, Arsenal's season has been anything but uncertain. Under Mikel Arteta, the club sit nine points clear at the top of the table with seven matches remaining, closing in on a first league title in over 20 years.

Jesus believes squad depth will be decisive in the final stretch. "Very confident, because we are in a good place and we have an amazing squad," he said.

Even with limited recent minutes, the striker remains ready to deliver. "I know myself, and Mikel knows this. I can come on and decide a game, or start and decide the game."

He highlighted the attacking options available, including Leandro Trossard, Noni Madueke, Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz.

"If you look at our attacking players, it's amazing," Jesus said.

With belief growing inside the squad and quality across the pitch, Arsenal's title push is gathering real momentum.

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