Silvestre praises Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard and Jakub Kiwior for their form

Arsenal continued their sensational start to 2024 with a 5-0 win over Burnley this past weekend. This is the first time in history that the Gunners have won their first five games of the year.

At bettingexpert, Devang Prasad sat down with former Man Utd and Arsenal defender Mikael Silvestre who talked about the contributions of Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard as well as Jakub Kiwior who’s getting more minutes with each passing Premier League game.

In this article:

• Saka’s decision making has improved massively
• Nico Williams can be a good cover option for Saka
• Trossard one of the best super subs in the league
• Jakub Kiwior getting opportunities is down to him adapting
• Less you hear about the keeper the better
• Khephren Thuram would fit both Arsenal and Man Utd
• Safer gambling

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Saka is more decisive now

Arsenal starboy Bukayo Saka bagged a brace in the win over Burnley, converting his first one from the penalty spot and then getting on the end of a Martin Ødegaard assist.

The Englishman is arguably Arsenal’s most important player and Silvestre commented on how his decision making has seen a marked improvement in the past year, which is down to the experience he’s gained playing so many games.

“Saka’s decision making has improved and he’s reading the game better and making the right call at the right time. That’s why he’s decisive, scoring, assisting, and getting fouls.”

“And with experience, he’s mastering his decisions.”

Silvestre says that the improvements, in terms of skills, for Saka are marginal as he’s already proven himself to be a top player.

“I don’t think there’s a lot of margin for him to improve because he’s already a top player but his understanding of the game has gotten better.”

Nico Williams a good cover for Bukayo Saka

While Saka is flying, there is concern about a lack of quality bench options to cover for him in case he gets injured. Arsenal are reported to be interested in Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams and Silvestre endorses that move but also says that the Gunners can look at promoting someone from the academy.

“Arsenal need cover for Saka whether it’s Williams or someone else.”

“You need two or three options. Trossard can play there but you want options. Maybe they can promote someone from the academy.”

The Frenchman further adds that Arsenal need to replicate the Gabriel Martinelli-Leandro Trossard rotation that they have on the left, on the right wing.

“If you want to win the league, the FA Cup and the Champions League you have to play a lot of games so you want someone to come and offer help like Trossard with Martinelli.”

Trossard one of the best super subs in the Premier League

Speaking of Trossard, Silvestre remarked that the Belgian is a game-changer and his contributions are vital for the Gunners. At the same time, the four-time World Cup winner said that Trossard would not be satisfied sitting on the bench, especially with the form he’s in.

“Trossard is definitely a game-changer when he comes on. Any player doesn’t want to be on the bench but when you do that and add so much to the team with goals and assists, it’s great for Arsenal. Not so much for the player as he would like to start, but good for him because that’s the only way you can show your manager that you’d be better off starting.”

When asked if Trossard is the best attacking option off the bench in the league, Silvestre added Jack Grealish’s name in the conversation.

“Grealish is also not bad (when asked if Trossard is the best attacking option off the bench in the Premier League).”

Jakub Kiwior is capitalising on the opportunities being given to him

Few expected Jakub Kiwior to play as big a role as he is doing for the Gunners. The Polish defender has seen an uptick in playing time this year, slotting in at left-back and can also shift to central defence. He even got on the assist charts in the win over Burnley.

Silvestre has been impressed by Kiwior’s performances and has credited it to his adaptation skills and making the most of the opportunities given to him.

“Slowly he’s getting more game time after some adaptation and settling into a new club with new teammates.”

“He’s playing with more confidence and more vocal.”

“It’s good because there were some injuries at the back so he’s getting opportunities.”

Less you hear about the keeper, the better

For most of 2023, the David Raya-Aaron Ramsdale rotation was a big talking point with pundits and fans engaging in polarising debates around who’s better.

With Arsenal being on a winning run and David Raya being the unanimous No. 1, the debates have stopped. Silvestre believes that Raya has cemented his spot and that the less noise there is around the keeper, the better it is for everyone.

“Raya has done what was needed for him to earn the spot and stay number one.”

“The less you hear about the keeper the better. As long as Raya continues to play at a high level there won’t be any discussions.”

Khephren Thuram can fit in at Arsenal or Man Utd

A player that has been linked to both of Silvestre’s former clubs – Manchester United and Arsenal – is French midfielder Khephren Thuram.

Silvestre was diplomatic when asked which side would be a better fit for the OGC Nice midfielder, saying that his skill-set will allow him to thrive at either club.

“I think he can play for both teams. Hard to say which one would be a better team for him to go to.”

“He’s dynamic and quick but I think he’s suited for both.”

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