Bukayo Saka is Arsenal’s star man and an integral member of the England squad competing at the 2024 UEFA Euros. In addition to being a fantastic player, the 22-year-old also exemplifies unwavering determination and mental resilience.
A model professional, Saka always takes his post-match recovery extremely seriously. The winger ensures he’s at peak fitness before every game, working closely with the club’s fitness team after each match to achieve a complete recovery. As one of the best dribblers in the league, the Arsenal academy graduate is fouled often, making it even more critical for him to focus on recovery.
Upon arriving in Germany for the Euros, the first thing Saka did was to check out the post-match recovery facilities at the accommodation. He scouted the steam room and cryotherapy chamber to ensure he can stay at peak fitness throughout the entire tournament.
Despite taking extreme care of his physical health, Saka has shown the courage and toughness to play through injury when the team needs him. In an anecdote shared on X (formerly known as Twitter), Arsenal’s medical team was reportedly horrified to discover that Bukayo Saka was playing with an open wound after he pulled down his socks during a game last season. The medical team were even more shocked when Saka confirmed he was ready to play just a few days later.
This determination is what makes Mikel Arteta and Gareth Southgate respect the youngster so much. It’s not just the managers who hold Saka in such high regard; his Arsenal and England teammates also admire his mental resilience. Despite his relatively young age, his teammates already see him as one of the leaders in the dressing room.
Having scored 16 goals and assisted a further nine in the Premier League last season, the 22-year-old will be hoping to win his first league title with the Gunners next season. A fantastic player, a model professional, and a wonderful person, Bukayo Saka embodies all of these qualities.
