Arsenal staff have now seen a change in Bukayo Saka since he has grown closer to captain Martin Odegaard of late.
Right now, Bukayo Saka is shouldering a lot of England’s hopes to win Euro 2024 this summer alongside Arsenal teammate Declan Rice.
The pair are undisputed starters in Gareth Southgate’s team, even if Saka had to prove why against Serbia on Sunday.
Before the tournament began, there had been talk of in-form Chelsea winger Cole Palmer starting ahead of Saka – considered too good to sit on the bench.
However, that was unlikely to ever be in Southgate’s thinking, and Saka proved his position as one of England’s most crucial performers in the 1-0 win, terrorising his opposition full-back.
And interestingly, Saka does now appear to be something of a leader on the pitch for England, a player willing to drag his team forward with the ball.
That being said, Mail Sport have now just shared a report providing an insight into how Saka has been changing behind the scenes for both club and country.
Bukayo Saka has become more of a leader since Martin Odegaard friendship
The report details that Saka has recently become close friends with Odegaard and has since taken on more responsibility at London Colney as a result.
And those leadership qualities have continued for England since they arrived in Germany too.
Along with Rice, Saka is expected to become a real leader for England in the future, whether Southgate is in charge or not.
Of course, there has been some discussion over whether Saka should revert to a defensive role he once fulfilled in the early days of Mikel Arteta’s tenure.
Given Kieran Trippier suffered cramp against Serbia and Luke Shaw still isn’t fully fit, England look short at left-back.
And having played in the position regularly for Arsenal in the 2020/21 campaign, Saka’s name has been mentioned as a solution.
However, that really would inhibit England up top, a side who now rely on Saka’s ability to beat a man.
And whilst Jarrod Bowen did a fine job of substituting in for Saka on Sunday, Southgate would be loath to make such a significant change at this point of the Euros.
All that being said, Arsenal are now interested in signing midfielder who previously admitted he wasn’t fit enough for the Premier League.
