"Some players will get offended..." - Iwobi reveals what he noticed early on with Saka in Arsenal training

Former Arsenal star Alex Iwobi laid bare what he notice about Bukayo Saka in training.

With just nine games remaining Arsenal are at the Premier League summit, some eight points clear of Manchester City, albeit having played a game more than last season’s champions.

And Saka has been central to the Gunners’ success. The 21-year-old is in the running for player of the season, having provided some 22 goal contributions in his 29 Premier League appearances this term alone.

While the youngster has hit new heights this season, he has long been a prospect at Arsenal, having joined the club's academy at age seven.

Everton midfielder Iwobi, a fellow Hale End end graduate, revealed how Saka faired in his first training sessions with the Arsenal first team.

Iwobi on Saka

Iwobi lifted the lid on what the England star was like in training, explaining how senior players respected him despite his young age.

Speaking on tbgpod, he said: "When he first come up to train [in the] first team [he] never complained.

"All the players gave him that respect because he was doing his thing in training.

"I know some players will get a bit offended because it's like a young man dribbling past."

Saka has gone on to make 170 appearances for the Gunners since making his senior debut in 2018, scoring 36 goals and providing 39 assists.

READ MORE:

• QUIZ: Can you name the footballer by their childhood picture?
• Journalist claims Arsenal starlet Ethan Nwaneri could defect to Premier League rivals

Iwobi insisted that Saka’s attitude has been central to his success.

The 26-year-old said: "The thing is a lot of Arsenal youngsters are cold and he was raw then. So that left foot just jinky mi jinky go past a few men.

"Now he's doing it on a consistent basis. We've seen it. I've seen it anyway. Not only is he a great player, he's humble as well.

"Like he was eager to learn, he listens [and] doesn't argue back. For example, he treats the dinner ladies the same way he'll treat us man."

Topics: Football, Arsenal, Alex Iwobi, Bukayo Saka, Premier League, Everton

Chris Byfield

Sport journalist with experience writing on football, rugby, boxing and the Olympics. I'm also a Crystal Palace fan. Please don't hold this against me.