The Rise of Lil Chili

Klaus

https:/www.twitter.com/bukayosaka87/status/1311661080721022976

Maitland-Niles also included in the squad:

goon

I might actually watch an England game for once.

Happy for the lad, he's going to be huge.

KingslandBarge

Southgate grates me. That gaffe talking about needing a left footed player the other week but not knowing where to find one. Looks like someone did their job! Well done Saka. Another small notch to his exceptional year.

Clrnc

Calling him up on Nigeria's national day. Nice timing.

Anyway delighted for him. He will go places.

Claudius

So good to see one of our favorites prospering. May he continue to be blessed.

deardevil

Interesting when the lesser hyped player outperforms the brighter prospect. Saka vs Nelson, Iwobi vs Jeff, Henry Vs Anelka etc.

flobaba

Grrrr. Was hoping he’d choose Nigeria, but either way he’s done well.

Wish him the best of luck and outstanding success in his international career.

Qwiss

flobaba wrote:
Grrrr. Was hoping he’d choose Nigeria, but either way he’s done well.

Wish him the best of luck and outstanding success in his international career.

Commiserations Flob, unfortunately I think there is so much extra money to be made as an England player these days that its hard for these kids to turn them down.

flobaba

Yeah I don't blame him. It's the old dilemma I guess. In Nigeria, with his talent, he could easily attain instant god-like status with fans. But he'll have to deal with a dysfunctional FA/ unstable coaching conditions.

In England, he'll be well paid but may never receive the kind of reverence and adulation African fans reserve for their football stars.

Klaus

Also possible that Saka who was born in England might feel more English than Nigerian and made the decision based on personal alignment rather than what's best for his career.

QuincyAbeyie

It's also good for Arsenal that he won't leave for AFCON.

RC8

Qwiss! wrote:
flobaba wrote:
Grrrr. Was hoping he’d choose Nigeria, but either way he’s done well.

Wish him the best of luck and outstanding success in his international career.

Commiserations Flob, unfortunately I think there is so much extra money to be made as an England player these days that its hard for these kids to turn them down.

Guy was born in London, lives in London, works in London, and has been playing for England (who play in London) since the U16 level.

Money might play a role, but this is surely a logical choice regardless.

flobaba

Klaus wrote:
Also possible that Saka who was born in England might feel more English than Nigerian and made the decision based on personal alignment rather than what's best for his career.

Possible. A few other English born and raised players have chosen to play for the Nigerian senior national team in the past, even after being capped at youth level for England. Of course they are not as high profile as Saka, but still I had my hopes up.

Claudius

Most African players who know they can get selected for a European country will pick it. Higher profile, easier travel and less headache with African FAs. Unfortunately. We just sit here and watch all our best boys from afar 😆

IBL

goon wrote:
I might actually watch an England game for once.

Yup, been avoiding England games since the last time Wilshere played for them as a Gunner.

Anzac

https://www.football365.com/news/left-england-inspired-arsenal-saka-maitland-niles

KingslandBarge

"The adaptability, versatility and unpredictability he gives to the team is special and as well the way he reads the different situations and scenarios we want to provoke during the games. Then the personality he plays with, he comes in at Anfield and wants every ball..." Arteta post game quote vis James Benge.

lorddulaarsenal

Great week for him. Prefer him as part of the midfield three

Claudius

Absolutely the right place for him. He has the right combination of vision, technique, pace. Just a great young prospect. Wouldn’t be out of place on the 90s Ajax teams with his feel for the game.

Clrnc

As a central player he drifts too much to the left for my liking.

Still prefer him as a left or right winger. Hone his game proper there