O'Leary: Saka dives too much, doesn't deserve £300,000-per-week salary based on recent form

Arsenal legend David O'Leary has said that Saka's recent performances do not justify his weekly salary of £300,000.

O'Leary said on talkSPORT's Sunday Edition: "Honestly, I don't think he's that kind of player. I really like him.

"But one thing I do feel, looking at him since he came through the academy and into the first team when nobody really knew how good he was, is that I think he's going to ground too much now.

"I think he's waiting for contact and then going down. But the player I used to see was much more aggressive; he wouldn't let full-backs or anyone else bring him down."

"Without a doubt, he's not the player he once was.

"He's still a top player, but is he the same player who signed that lucrative new contract at Arsenal and became one of the highest-paid players in England? I don't think so right now."

When asked what had changed with Saka, O'Leary added: "I'd love to give you a straight answer, but the player hasn't changed; we haven't seen that arrogant side of him.

"I don't know what's happened. But when I look at this team and their progress, who's playing well, and how good Rice was yesterday, I think Saka has to step up again.

"If he can step up, Arsenal will be stronger."

Why does Saka hit the ground so easily?

O'Leary was then asked whether he thought Saka was going to ground too frequently to avoid physical contact after some tough challenges in the Premier League.

He replied: "That's a good question, and it certainly seems that way. He can anticipate it now; he's become a marked man because he's so dangerous when he's in form.

"But sometimes he's waiting for things to happen rather than taking players on. He should be tougher, stand up to these challenges, and understand that now he has this reputation, it's something he has to deal with.

"He has to step up and take responsibility."

O'Leary on Gyökeres

O'Leary also discussed another player who hasn't been in his best form for Arsenal this season.

Gyökeres has only played 56 minutes across 3 Premier League appearances, with Havertz taking his starting spot.

The £63.7 million signing now appears to be a backup striker, while Arteta seems to prefer Havertz's link-up play.

O'Leary said: "You have to look at how the season has started and Arteta's setup.

"Right now, it seems that with all of Arsenal's players fit, Gyökeres probably won't be in the starting XI.

"Havertz will start because Arteta feels he offers more in terms of linking up play."

AF's PC site is now live! Browse full news, comments, match details and stats on your computer. Visit: www.allfootballapp.com