Joe Cole told Arsenal have their own 'Lionel Messi' after injury concerns raised

Bukayo Saka has continued his impressive form for Arsenal and England into the 2023/24 campaign after providing two goals and two assists so far this season

Chelsea legend Joe Cole has compared Arsenal star Bukayo Saka to the likes of Lionel Messi and Mohamed Salah. The England international has taken his performances to another level this year and has rightfully been named on the shortlist for the Ballon d'Or award.

Speaking on the Handbrake Off podcast, he said: "This is why everyone is so worried when he is kicked all over the place. That is the only thing that is going to stop him. Every time he is kicked and you see him played in games you think ‘Could he have been rested in this game, does he need to be playing?'

"Sometimes you are worried because if Arsenal are to achieve anything, he is going to be one of the main reasons we get to what we want to get to. I think we’ll get there, but as long as he is managed very well."

Saka's importance to Arsenal is clear for everyone to see, and he is now beginning to become one of Gareth Southgate's few undroppables for England. In fact, Joe Cole believes the Gunners star has the same ability cutting in off the right wing as one of the greatest players to ever play the game - Lionel Messi.

Speaking to Channel 4 after England drew 1-1 against Ukraine in their European Championship 2024 qualifying clash, Cole said: “He’s [Saka] got an ability to cut in, just like Lionel Messi, which very few players have. Mohamed Salah has it, Lionel Messi has it and Bukayo Saka has it.”

Whilst the Arsenal star is yet to reach the heights of Messi - his potential is scary and he could end up becoming one of the greatest wingers in the world. Saka has already registered two goals and two assists in five appearances so far this term after providing over 10+ goals and assists in the 2022/23 campaign across all competitions.

As long as the 22-year-old can avoid being injured and continue to improve his performance level season after season, he could be regarded in the same bracket as the likes of Salah and Messi for their impact as a right-winger.