Ian Wright gives honest advice as Arteta told to bench 'outstanding' star

Mikel Arteta has very rarely got his team selections wrong lately but Ian Wright wants to see the Arsenal boss drop a fan-favourite player

Ian Wright has suggested that Bukayo Saka should be rested in the coming weeks. The 21-year-old forward has been central towards Arsenal's efforts in the Premier League title race but, because of his exceptional injury record, he's rarely been offered any respite.

Sake has featured 34 times for Mikel Arteta's side this season, directly contributing towards 24 goals. While his impressive performances have guided the Gunners to the top of the table, the sheer number of games have begun to take its toll on the forward who has recently looked visibly tired.

The England international has scored just one goal in his previous six appearances, and he doesn’t look anywhere near as energetic as he once did earlier in the campaign. Speaking on the Wrighty’s House Podcast, Wright admitted that he's worried for Saka if he continues to rack up the minutes.

"Maybe Saka should get a little bit of a rest," said the former Arsenal striker. "I think a little rest. Maybe my mouth is going to quickly for my brain, in this situation we can’t afford to lose anymore games, we need everybody out there, but I just worry, I worry for him."

Speaking on talkSPORT last month, Gabby Agbonlahor controversially explained why he would rather Bukayo Saka than David Beckham in an all-time England XI. The former Aston Villa striker claimed that the Hale End graduate's performances at the Euros and World Cup justify his claim.

"I’d pick Saka over Beckham if I could pick an England team. I said it during the World Cup, I would have Saka over Beckham," said Agbonlahor. "When I saw Saka at the World Cup, he was outstanding.

"In the Euros just gone as well, he was outstanding. Kept [Phil] Foden out of the team. If I’m picking my best England team, I’m having Saka on that right-hand side. Pace, scores goals, more of an all-round game. Can take players on, score goals, get assists as well. I’m picking Saka."

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